Catheter system with balloon containing a radioactive fluid

Abstract

Abstract A catheter apparatus filled with a radiation carrier material such as an inert radioactive gas for the treatment of restenosis after angioplasty, and malignancies. The inflated catheter includes a plurality of discrete chambers for transporting the radioactive carrier material, and a plurality of discrete chambers enabling substantial blood flow through the artery during treatment with the prescribed radiation. The inflated catheter may also comprise one unit balloon. A specific metal coating enhances the radiation dose delivered to the target. The wall of the lumen attenuates transmission dose to the blood circulating through the hollow inner lumen of the catheter device. The system also creates increased by-product radiation, from the impact of beta particles and gamma protons traveling toward the lumen wall. In addition, two opposing balloons whereby gas-tight redirection of radioactive gas flow from one balloon to the other, enabling one balloon to be inflated and delivered treatment dose, while the opposing balloon is deflated.

Inventors

• 👤 Marc G. Apple
• 👤 Melvin J. Apple

Bibliographic Details