Medical device with radiation source

• US 6,231,494 B1
• Filed: 11/17/1997
• Issued: 05/15/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
• Original Assignee: Schneider (Europe) GmbH (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Verin, Vitali, Popowski, Youri
• Primary Examiner(s): Lacyk, John P.
• Application Number:
  US08/972,107
• Time in Patent Office: 1,275 Days
• Field of Search: 600/1-8
• US Class Current: 600/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/1025 Wires
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/1002 Intraluminal radiation therapy

Abstract

The appliance comprises radioactive radiation means formed by a coiled filament of radioactive material a proximal part of which is formed by a coiled filament having a pitch larger than that of the coiled filament. Coiled filament is for meshing with thread formed at the distal end of a guidewire.

Claims

1. A method for treating a body lumen comprising:

(a) providing a non-radioactive member;

(b) activating the non-radioactive member to make an activated radiation source;

(c) attaching the activated radiation source about a distal portion of an elongate member; and

(d) percutaneously disposing the distal portion of the elongate member at a treatment site.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:

(e) removing the radiation source from the elongate member after step (d).

3. The method of claim 1 wherein step (c) is performed while the radiation source is disposed within a shielded housing.

4. A method of claim 1 wherein the activated radiation source comprises a radioactive coil.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the elongate member is a guidewire.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the guidewire is adapted for insertion into a balloon catheter lumen.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the activated radiation source includes 90 Yttrium.

8. The method of claim 4 wherein the coil is removably threaded at least partially about the distal portion of the elongate member.