EXPANDABLE AND RETRIEVABLE RADIATION DELIVERY SYSTEM

摘要

This invention is a device and method for irradiating human body vessel interior walls. One device (21) includes a beta radiation emitting segmented metal tube disposed at the distal end of an elongate shaft (38). Another device (121) includes a radioactive elastic sleeve (140) mounted on a shaft (138). The device (121) can be used to inhibit restenosis following angioplasty in coronary arteries. In use, the device (121) can be advanced distally over the balloon (44) portion of a positioned and deflated angioplasty balloon catheter (20), whereupon the balloon (44) is inflated, pressing the radiation device into close contact with the vessel walls. After a desired exposure period, the balloon (44) is deflated, and the device (21), biased to contract, contracts with the balloon (44), allowing for ease of withdrawal from the patient.