Abstract: Fibrosis, in at least one layer of a vessel wall, can be used to strengthen a vessel wall. Fibrosis can be induced by irradiating a vessel wall with an energy source, or by inducing injury to the vessel wall. In addition to an energy source, photoactivatable agents can also be used such that the energy activates the photoactivatable agent to cause a thickening of the vessel wall. For example, ultra-violet radiation can be used alone or in conjunction with a photoactivatable agent, such as a psoralen compound, to increase the adventitial volume of a blood vessel. Upon exposure to radiation, preferably ultra-violet A radiation, the photoactivatable agent becomes activated and causes compositional and/or structural changes in the adventitia. The invention provides a method of treating aneurysms by thickening the adventitial layer of the vessel wall at the site of the aneurysm.

Abstract: Fibrosis, in at least one layer of a vessel wall, can be used to strengthen a vessel wall. Fibrosis can be induced by irradiating a vessel wall with an energy source, or by inducing injury to the vessel wall. In addition to an energy source, photoactivatable agents can also be used such that the energy activates the photoactivatable agent to cause a thickening of the vessel wall. For example, ultra-violet radiation can be used alone or in conjunction with a photoactivatable agent, such as a psoralen compound, to increase the adventitial volume of a blood vessel. Upon exposure to radiation, preferably ultra-violet A radiation, the photoactivatable agent becomes activated and causes compositional and/or structural changes in the adventitia. The invention provides a method of treating aneurysms by thickening the adventitial layer of the vessel wall at the site of the aneurysm.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for treating in-stent restenosis using radiation having a wavelength sufficient to kill or promote cellular death (e.g., through programmed cell death), or otherwise remove smooth muscle cells which have proliferated, or which might otherwise proliferate, in the proximity of (i.e., within, around or adjacent to) a stent within a body lumen, causing (or potentially causing) at least partial blockage of the lumen. Devices are disclosed for providing such therapeutic radiation at the stent with or without concurrent mechanical (e.g. balloon dilation) angioplasty. Treatment methods are also disclosed which include irradiating smooth muscle cells in the region of the stenosis with non-ablative, cytotoxic radiation, such as UV radiation. A cytotoxic, photoactivatable chromophore may also be delivered to the treatment site prior to irradiation.

Abstract: Non-occluding catheters and methods for delivering energy to a vessel wall without occluding blood flow through the vessel wall are disclosed. In particular, the invention uses an energy distributor connected to an expansion mechanism and a waveguide. The expansion mechanism causes the distributor to come into close proximity with a target region in the vessel wall, while maintaining at least one fluid passageway for blood flow throughout the instrument.

Abstract: A method for treating in-stent restenosis using radiation having a wavelength sufficient to kill or promote cellular death (e.g., through programmed cell death), or otherwise remove smooth muscle cells which have proliferated, or which might otherwise proliferate, in the proximity of (i.e., within, around or adjacent to) a stent within a body lumen, causing (or potentially causing) at least partial blockage of the lumen. The treatment method includes irradiating smooth muscle cells in the region of the stenosis with non-ablative, cytotoxic radiation, such as UV radiation. A cytotoxic, photoactivatable chromophore may also be delivered to the treatment site prior to irradiation. The method can be used prophylactically or to treat in-stent restenosis after blockage has occurred without further damage to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A light delivery system for use in irradiating vascular tissue includes a balloon catheter with a working lumen for receiving an optical fiber therein and an inflation/flushing lumen adapted to receive a liquid at a proximal end and leading to a space defined within the balloon member attached to a distal end of the catheter. The balloon member has a pattern of holes or pores in the wall thereof through which the saline may flow when the balloon is inflated, causing any blood or other absorbing substances that may interfere with good radiant energy transmission to be flushed away from the treatment site.

Abstract: A light delivery system for use in irradiating vascular tissue includes a balloon catheter with a working lumen for receiving an optical fiber therein and an inflation/flushing lumen adapted to receive a liquid at a proximal end and leading to a space defined within the balloon member attached to a distal end of the catheter. The balloon member has a pattern of holes or pores in the wall thereof through which the saline may flow when the balloon is inflated, causing any blood or other absorbing substances that may interfere with good radiant energy transmission to be flushed away from the treatment site.

Abstract: A stent for supporting a selected portion of a body lumen, comprising a fibrous material which is treated with a curable material to form a curable fiber composite. The fiber composite is positioned within a body lumen and, upon curing of the curable material, forms a rigid support structure.

Abstract: A stent for supporting a selected portion of a body lumen, comprising a fibrous material which is treated with a curable material to form a curable fiber composite. The fiber composite is positioned within a body lumen and, upon curing of the curable material, forms a rigid support structure.