Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end.

Abstract: An implantable intramedullary fixation structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a long bone is disclosed comprising a plurality of elongated segments. Each segment has a first end and a complementarily-shaped second end such that the first end of a segment cooperatively engages the second end of an adjacent segment. The segments define a guide aperture so as to be receivable over a guide for positioning in the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed employing ionizing radiation for forming lines of ablation or lesions in cardiac tissue to treat atrial fibrillation or other electrophysiological problems with the heart. The apparatus may include a catheter in which the radiation source is advanced hydraulically after the catheter is in place within the heart. Various fixation devices are also disclosed for fixing the location of the catheter within the heart.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for treating body tissue whereby a section of tissue is drawn into contact with the open distal end of the first passageway of the apparatus. A tissue treatment fluid is introduced into the second passageway for treating the desired section of tissue retained within the first passageway. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for positioning a medical device at a desired location within the heart. A portion of the apparatus is retained at a desired location of the heart and a medical device is extended through a passageway of the apparatus for contacting the heart at the desired location.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for treating body tissue whereby a section of tissue is drawn into contact with the open distal end of the first passageway of the apparatus. A tissue treatment fluid is introduced into the second passageway for treating the desired section of tissue retained within the first passageway. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for positioning a medical device at a desired location within the heart. A portion of the apparatus is retained at a desired location of the heart and a medical device is extended through a passageway of the apparatus for contacting the heart at the desired location.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for treating body tissue whereby a section of tissue is drawn into contact with the open distal end of the first passageway of the apparatus. A tissue treatment fluid is introduced into the second passageway for treating the desired section of tissue retained within the first passageway. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for positioning a medical device at a desired location within the heart. A portion of the apparatus is retained at a desired location of the heart and a medical device is extended through a passageway of the apparatus for contacting the heart at the desired location.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed employing ionizing radiation for forming lines of ablation or lesions in cardiac tissue to treat atrial fibrillation or other electrophysiological problems with the heart. The apparatus may include a catheter in which the radiation source is advanced hydraulically after the catheter is in place within the heart. Various fixation devices are also disclosed for fixing the location of the catheter within the heart.

Abstract: A treating element source train that comprises a plurality of treating elements, with each treating element comprising a hollow outer housing closed on each end and a radiation emitting substance encapsulated therein. The treating elements are aligned end-to-end, and a wire is wound around the exterior of the treating elements to maintain the treating elements in their end-to-end relationship. The wire may be helically coiled about the treating elements, or braided around them. Also, the wire may be secured to the proximal and distal treating elements, or to each individual treating element. Preferably, the wire is made of a radiopaque material such as gold, platinum, platinum iridium, tungsten and tantalum. In an alternate embodiment, the source train may be provided with an end cap at either end, with the wire jacket being secured to each endcap.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the intraluminal passageways of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's intraluminal passageways. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for treating body tissue whereby a section of tissue is drawn into contact with the open distal end of the first passageway of the apparatus. A tissue treatment fluid is introduced into the second passageway for treating the desired section of tissue retained within the first passageway. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for positioning a medical device at a desired location within the heart. A portion of the apparatus is retained at a desired location of the heart and a medical device is extended through a passageway of the apparatus for contacting the heart at the desired location.

Abstract: A blood containment, visualization and tactile confirmation device is provided for use with a vascular entry needle. The device includes a visualization channel and/or a compliant outer wall portion which indicates whether a needle connected to the device has entered a selected blood vessel. The visualization channel is optionally vented to the outside to allow displaced air to escape, but has a gas permeable member to prevent blood from escaping. Alternatively, the visualization channel is substantially sealed such that it is not significantly vented. Preferably, a compliant outer wall portion defining the visualization channel pulses with changes in blood pressure, thereby providing a tactile indication that the needle tip is properly positioned. The device has a guideway with a barrier of elastomeric material which prevents blood from passing therethrough, but which allows passage of an elongated medical instrument such as catheterization apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for use in procedures related to the electrophysiology of the heart, such as identifying or evaluating the electrical activity of the heart, diagnosing and/or treating conditions associated with the electrophysiology of the heart. An apparatus having thermocouple elements of different electromotive potential conductively connected at a junction is introduced into the interior of the heart and a section of heart tissue is contacted with the junction. An electrical current is passed through the thermocouple elements to reduce the temperature of the junction in accordance with the Peltier effect and thereby cool the contacted heart tissue. The effect of the cooling may be monitored and, if desired the section of heart tissue may be treated.

Abstract: A polymeric article and method for making a polymeric article, such as a catheter, are disclosed wherein the article is contacted with a swelling agent, such as a solvent, and a plasticizer to make the polymeric material softer and/or more pliable or flexible. The contacting may be carried our sequentially or simultaneously, using a solution containing a plasticizer and a solvent.