US5997462A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for treating a blood vessel lesion
Assignee: Nucletron Operations BV
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Filing: 1998-01-08
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Granted: 1999-12-07
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Expires: 2018-01-08
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for treating a lesion (34) of a blood vessel (33) with radiation from a radioactive source (35). A catheter (36) having at least one lumen (56) is placed into the blood vessel (33) with a distal portion (36A) near the lesion (34) and a proximal portion (49) outside of the blood vessel (33). A radiation tube (4) is at least partially placed into the catheter (36) through a lumen (56) such that a juncture (80) is formed between the proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) and the radiation tube (4). A proximal end of the radiation tube (4) is connected to a drive device (9) for driving the radioactive source (35) through the radiation tube (4) and the catheter (36) to near the lesion (34). An axial translation device (31) is placed at the juncture (80). The axial translation device (31) has a first element (81) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to catheter (36) near the proximal portion (49) thereof, a second element (84) fixedly connected in the axial direction (A) to the radiation tube (4) near the juncture (80), and a third element (86) movably connected to the first element (81) and the second element (84). By moving at least one of the elements (81, 84 and 86), a relative axial translation (88) of the catheter (36) and radiation tube (4) is caused for manually positioning the radioactive source (35) near the lesion (34).
Inventors
- 👤 Edgar German Loffler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:16
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/10; A61N5/1001; A61N5/1007; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/0105; A61M25/0113; A61N2005/1008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
246 words
A method of treating a lesion (34) of a blood vessel (33) with radiation from a radioactive source (35), comprising: 1) placing a catheter (36) having at least one lumen (56) into the blood vessel (33) with a distal portion (36A) near the lesion (34) and a proximal portion (49) outside of the blood vessel (33); 2) placing a radiation tube (4) at least partially into the catheter (36) through the lumen (56) thereof such that a juncture (80) is formed between the proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) and the radiation tube (4); 3) connecting a proximal end of the radiation tube (4) to a drive device (9) for driving the radioactive source (35) through the radiation tube (4) and the catheter (36) near the lesion (34); 4) placing an axial translation device (31) at the juncture (80), said axial translation device (31) comprising a first element (81) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the catheter (36) near the proximal portion (49) thereof, a second element (84) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the radiation tube (4) near the juncture (80), and a third element (86) movably connected to the first element (81) and the second element (84); and 5) manually moving at least one of the elements (81, 84 and 86) so as to cause a relative axial translation (88) of the catheter (36) and radiation tube (4) for manually positioning the radioactive source (35) near the lesion (34).
Claim 2
Independent Claim
246 words
A method of treating a lesion (34) of a blood vessel (33) with radiation from a radioactive source (35), comprising: 1) placing a catheter (36) having at least one lumen (56) into the blood vessel (33) with a distal portion (36A) near the lesion (34) and a proximal portion (49) outside of the blood vessel (33); 2) placing a radiation tube (4) at least partially into the catheter (36) through the lumen (56) thereof such that a juncture (80) is formed between the proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) and the radiation tube (4); 3) connecting a proximal end of the radiation tube (4) to a drive device (9) for driving the radioactive source (35) through the radiation tube (4) and the catheter (36) near the lesion (34); 4) placing an axial translation device (31) at the juncture (80), said axial translation device (31) comprising a first element (81) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the catheter (36) near the proximal portion (49) thereof, a second element (84) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the radiation tube (4) near the juncture (80), and a third element (86) movably connected to the first element (81) and the second element (84); and 5) manually moving at least one of the elements (81, 84 and 86) so as to cause a relative axial translation (88) of the catheter (36) and radiation tube (4) for manually positioning the radioactive source (35) near the lesion (34).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the elements are sterile and are disposed and operated in a sterile operating field.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 1, wherein a marker (40) on the catheter (36) and the source (35) are opaque to radiation and the moving of the at least one element is performed while viewing positions of the marker and the source under a radiation device (29, 30).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the radiation device is a fluoroscopy device (29, 30).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the radioactive source (35) is a gamma-ray source or a beta-ray source.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein a centering balloon (37) having a plurality of inflatable segments is disposed on the distal portion of the catheter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the blood vessel (33) is a coronary blood vessel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the treatment is in conjunction with a percutaneous translumenal coronary angioplasty.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 8, wherein the treatment is sufficient to at least retard restenosis of the angioplasty.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the elements is a lever, wheel, screw thread and gear thread.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the elements is a wheel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the elements is a gear thread.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the axial translation device (31) is a rack (120) and pinion (121).
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the axial translation device (31) is a wheel (111) rotatably affixed to an arm (110) by an axle (112).
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the axial translation device (31) is cooperative screw threads (90, 92) for moving a positive stop (91).
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the axial translation device (31) is a combination of levers (101-104) connected by pivot axles (105).
Claim 18
Independent Claim
244 words
An apparatus for treating a lesion (34) of a blood vessel (33) with radiation from a radioactive source (35), comprising: 1) a catheter (36) having at least one lumen (56) with a distal portion (36A) disposable within the blood vessel (33) near the lesion (34) and a proximal portion (49) disposable outside of the blood vessel (33); 2) a radiation tube (4) at least partially disposed into the catheter (36) through the lumen (56) whereby a juncture (80) is formed between the proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) and the radiation tube (4); 3) a connection for connecting a proximal end of the radiation tube (4) to a drive device (9) for driving the radioactive source (35) through the radiation tube (4) and into the catheter (36) near the lesion (34); 4) an axial translation device (31) disposed at the juncture (80), said axial translation device (31) comprising a first element (81) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the catheter (36) near the proximal portion (49) thereof, a second element (84) fixedly connected in the axial direction to the radiation tube (4) near the juncture (80), and a third element (86) movably connected to the first element (81) and the second element (84); and wherein manually moving at least one of the elements (81, 84 and 86) causes a relative axial translation (88) of catheter (36) and radiation tube (4) for manually positioning the radioactive source (35) near the lesion (34).
Claim 19
Independent Claim
244 words
An apparatus for treating a lesion (34) of a blood vessel (33) with radiation from a radioactive source (35), comprising: 1) a catheter (36) having at least one lumen (56) with a distal portion (36A) disposable within the blood vessel (33) near the lesion (34) and a proximal portion (49) disposable outside of the blood vessel (33); 2) a radiation tube (4) at least partially disposed into the catheter (36) through the lumen (56) whereby a juncture (80) is formed between the proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) and the radiation tube (4); 3) a connection for connecting a proximal end of the radiation tube (4) to a drive device (9) for driving the radioactive source (35) through the radiation tube (4) and into the catheter (36) near the lesion (34); 4) an axial translation device (31) disposed at the juncture (80), said axial translation device (31) comprising a first element (81) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the catheter (36) near the proximal portion (49) thereof, a second element (84) fixedly connected in the axial direction to the radiation tube (4) near the juncture (80), and a third element (86) movably connected to the first element (81) and the second element (84); and wherein manually moving at least one of the elements (81, 84 and 86) causes a relative axial translation (88) of catheter (36) and radiation tube (4) for manually positioning the radioactive source (35) near the lesion (34).
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the elements are sterile for disposition and operation in a sterile operating field (22).
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein a marker (40) on the catheter (36) is opaque and the source (35) is opaque to radiation and positions of the marker (40) and source (35) are viewable under a radiation device (29, 30).
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the radiation device is a fluoroscopy device (29, 30).
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the radioactive source (35) is a gamma-ray or a beta-ray source.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein a centering balloon (37) having a plurality of inflatable segments is disposed on a distal portion of the catheter.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the radioactive source (35) is capable of inducing an amount of radiation for at least retarding restenosis of the angioplasty.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least one of the elements is a lever, wheel, screw thread and gear thread.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 24, wherein at least one of the elements is a wheel or gear thread.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the axial translation device (31) is a rack (120) and pinion (121).
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the axial translation device (31) is a wheel (111) rotatably affixed to an arm (110) by an axle (112).
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the axial translation device (31) is cooperative screw threads (90, 92) for moving a positive stop (91).
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the axial translation device (31) is a combination of levers (101-104) connected by pivot axles (105).
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
200 words
A catheter for guiding a radioactive source near a lesion of a blood vessel for treatment of the lesion, comprising an elongated catheter (36) having at least one lumen (56) and being extendible into a blood vessel (33) such that a distal portion (36A) lies near a lesion (34) and a proximal portion (49) lies outside of the blood vessel (33), said lumen (56) having at least partially received therein a radiation tube (4) for transporting a radioactive source (35), such that a juncture (80) is formed between the proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) and the radiation tube (4), said catheter having on the proximal portion (49) a portion of an axial translation device (31), said portion comprising a first element (81) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the catheter (36) such that the first element (81) cooperates with a second element (84) disposed on the radiation tube (4) and a third element (86) is movably connected to the first element (81) and the second element (84), wherein a relative axial translation (88) of the catheter (36) relative to the radiation tube (4) is provided for manually positioning the radioactive source (35) near the lesion (34).
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
200 words
A catheter for guiding a radioactive source near a lesion of a blood vessel for treatment of the lesion, comprising an elongated catheter (36) having at least one lumen (56) and being extendible into a blood vessel (33) such that a distal portion (36A) lies near a lesion (34) and a proximal portion (49) lies outside of the blood vessel (33), said lumen (56) having at least partially received therein a radiation tube (4) for transporting a radioactive source (35), such that a juncture (80) is formed between the proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) and the radiation tube (4), said catheter having on the proximal portion (49) a portion of an axial translation device (31), said portion comprising a first element (81) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the catheter (36) such that the first element (81) cooperates with a second element (84) disposed on the radiation tube (4) and a third element (86) is movably connected to the first element (81) and the second element (84), wherein a relative axial translation (88) of the catheter (36) relative to the radiation tube (4) is provided for manually positioning the radioactive source (35) near the lesion (34).
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
222 words
A radiation tube for guiding a radioactive source into a catheter disposable in a blood vessel and to near a lesion of the blood vessel for treatment of the lesion, comprising an elongated radiation tube (4) having a proximal end (5) connectable to a drive device (9) for driving a radioactive source (35) through the radiation tube (4) and catheter (36) to near the lesion (34) of the blood vessel (33), said radiation tube (4) having a distal portion (36A) received in the catheter (36) such that a juncture (80) is formed between a proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) lying outside of the blood vessel (33) and the radiation tube (4), said catheter (36) having on the proximal portion (49) a first element (81) of an axial translation device (31), said radiation tube (4) having on its distal portion (36A) and near juncture (80) a second element (84) of the axial translation device (31) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the radiation tube (4), said first element (81) and said second element (84) co-operate with a third element (86) movably connected to the first element (81) and second element (84) whereby relative axial translation (88) of the catheter (36) relative to the radiation tube (4) is provided for manually positioning the radioactive source (35) near the lesion (34).
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
222 words
A radiation tube for guiding a radioactive source into a catheter disposable in a blood vessel and to near a lesion of the blood vessel for treatment of the lesion, comprising an elongated radiation tube (4) having a proximal end (5) connectable to a drive device (9) for driving a radioactive source (35) through the radiation tube (4) and catheter (36) to near the lesion (34) of the blood vessel (33), said radiation tube (4) having a distal portion (36A) received in the catheter (36) such that a juncture (80) is formed between a proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) lying outside of the blood vessel (33) and the radiation tube (4), said catheter (36) having on the proximal portion (49) a first element (81) of an axial translation device (31), said radiation tube (4) having on its distal portion (36A) and near juncture (80) a second element (84) of the axial translation device (31) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the radiation tube (4), said first element (81) and said second element (84) co-operate with a third element (86) movably connected to the first element (81) and second element (84) whereby relative axial translation (88) of the catheter (36) relative to the radiation tube (4) is provided for manually positioning the radioactive source (35) near the lesion (34).
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
241 words
An assembly of a radiation tube, a catheter and an axial translation device for placing a radioactive source near a lesion of a blood vessel for treatment of the lesion, comprising: (1) a catheter (36) having at least one lumen (56) and being extendible into a blood vessel (33) such that a distal portion (36A) lies near a lesion (34) and a proximal portion (49) lies outside of the blood vessel (33); (2) a radiation tube (4) for guiding a radioactive source (35) through the radiation tube (4) and the catheter (36) to near the lesion (34), said radiation tube (4) having a distal portion (36A) received in the lumen (56) such that a juncture (80) is formed between a proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) and the radiation tube (4); (3) an axial translation device (31) disposed at the juncture (80), said axial translation device (31) comprising a first element (81) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the catheter (36) near the proximal portion (49), a second element (84) fixedly connected in the axial direction (A) to the radiation tube (4) near juncture (80), and a third element (86) movably connected to the first element (81) and second element (84), whereby moving at least one of the elements (81, 84 and 86) causes a relative axial translation (88) of the catheter (36) and radiation tube (4) for manually positioning the radioactive source (35) near the lesion (34).
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
241 words
An assembly of a radiation tube, a catheter and an axial translation device for placing a radioactive source near a lesion of a blood vessel for treatment of the lesion, comprising: (1) a catheter (36) having at least one lumen (56) and being extendible into a blood vessel (33) such that a distal portion (36A) lies near a lesion (34) and a proximal portion (49) lies outside of the blood vessel (33); (2) a radiation tube (4) for guiding a radioactive source (35) through the radiation tube (4) and the catheter (36) to near the lesion (34), said radiation tube (4) having a distal portion (36A) received in the lumen (56) such that a juncture (80) is formed between a proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) and the radiation tube (4); (3) an axial translation device (31) disposed at the juncture (80), said axial translation device (31) comprising a first element (81) fixedly connected in an axial direction (A) to the catheter (36) near the proximal portion (49), a second element (84) fixedly connected in the axial direction (A) to the radiation tube (4) near juncture (80), and a third element (86) movably connected to the first element (81) and second element (84), whereby moving at least one of the elements (81, 84 and 86) causes a relative axial translation (88) of the catheter (36) and radiation tube (4) for manually positioning the radioactive source (35) near the lesion (34).
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5139473A
Cited
US5800333A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-12-06 | 2003-06-07 | 2003-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-06 | 2007-06-07 | 2007-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-06 | 2011-06-07 | 2011-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |