Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brachytherapy device comprising a substrate comprising at least one radioactive coating layer formed thereon. The radioactive coating layer has a total radioactivity that varies in at least one dimension of the device. Methods of making radioactive coatings, such as electrochemical deposition, electroless deposition and sol-gel are also disclosed. Suitable substrates include medical devices, such as catheters, stents, brachytherapy devices and guidewires, or components thereof. The disclosed methods produce medical devices capable of generating asymmetric, or targeted, radiation fields that correspond to the morphology of a tumor. Methods of using these devices to treat cancer of the breast, brain, prostate, uterine, head and neck are also disclosed.

Abstract: Radioactive coating solutions and sol-gels, and corresponding methods for making a substrate radioactive by the application of the radioactive coating solutions and sol-gels thereto. The radioactive coating solution comprises at least one carrier metal and a radioisotope, which may be soluble or insoluble, and may further comprise a reducing agent. The radioactive sol-gel comprises at least one metal alkoxide and a radioisotope, which may be soluble or insoluble. Methods of making a substrate radioactive by coating with radioactive coating solutions or sol-gels are also disclosed, including electrodeposition, electroless deposition, spin coating and dip coating. In a particular embodiment, the radioactive coating formed by the method is a composite coating. Radioactive substrates are also disclosed, comprising a substrate and one or more radioactive coatings, which coatings may be the same or different.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device, and a method of using the device for dilating and irradiating a vascular segment, body passageway or an obstruction in a vascular segment or body passageway. The method of using the device comprises electroless deposition, electro-deposition or ion implantation of a radioactive coating on an expansion member. The radioactive coating may be deposited such that it has a total radioactivity that varies in at least one dimension of the expansion member. The expansion member may be substantially cylindrical and/or an expandable mesh. The radioactive expansion member, which is moveable between a radially contracted configuration and a radially expanded configuration, is radially contracted and placed into a vascular segment or body passageway.

Abstract: An endovascular support device adapted for local delivery of a therapeutic agent and for minimizing the rate of restinosis having a cylindrical support body with an inside surface and an opposite outside surface, and at least one layer of pericardial tissue covering at least a portion of at least a selected one of the inside surface or the outside surface of the cylindrical support body. At least one therapeutic agent is disposed on a portion of the support device.

Abstract: A device for the local delivery of a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body. The device provides a means for locally delivering a substance into the boundary layer of fluid flowing through the conduit without substantially disrupting the fluid flow therethrough. For example, an indwelling endovascular support device is provided for delivery of a substance locally to a targeted treatment area. Also provided are methods of locally delivering a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body utilizing the device of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for the local delivery of a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body. The device has a substance delivery segment which provides a means for locally delivering a substance into the boundary layer of fluid flowing through the conduit without disrupting the fluid flow therethrough. For example, an indwelling catheter is provided for endovascular delivery of a substance locally to a targeted treatment area. Also provided are methods of locally delivering a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body utilizing the device of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for the local delivery of a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body. The device has a substance delivery segment which provides a means for locally delivering a substance into the boundary layer of fluid flowing through the conduit without disrupting the fluid flow therethrough. For example, an indwelling catheter is provided for endovascular delivery of a substance locally to a targeted treatment area. Also provided are methods of locally delivering a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body utilizing the device of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention provides a sheath for encompassing at least a portion of a stent to locally deliver a drug to an arterial wall or lumen into which the stent has been inserted, comprising a polymer and a drug incorporated within the polymer, the polymer sheath encompassing at least a portion of the stent and a thickness to allow controlled release of the drug. Also provided is a method of preventing thrombosis and promoting and inhibiting vascular growth in a subject comprising inserting a stent encompassed by the sheath of the invention into a vessel of the subject.

Abstract: Human Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has the formula: H-Tyr-Pro-Ser-Lys-Pro-Asp-Asn-Pro-Gly-Glu-Asp-Ala-Pro- Ala-Glu-Asp-Met-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Ser-Ala-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Ile-Asn-Leu-Ile- Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg -Tyr-NH.sub.2. Porcine and rat NPY have the same sequence except for Leu instead of Met in the 17-position. Porcine PYY is homologous having 11 different residues. NPY analogs and N-terminally-shortened fragments, e.g. NPY(18-36), which contain one or more specific D-isomer substitutions for the naturally occurring residues (as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof), dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid or solid carrier, can be administered to mammals, including humans, to substantially lower blood pressure over an extended period of time or to counteract hypertension.

Abstract: Human Neuropeptide Y(NPY) has the formula: H-Tyr-Pro-Ser-Lys-Pro-Asp-Asn-Pro-Gly-Glu-Asp-Ala- Pro-Ala-Glu-Asp-Met-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Ser-Ala-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr- Ile-Asn-Leu-Ile-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH.sub.2. Porcine and rat NPY have the same sequence except for Leu instead of Met in the 17-position. Porcine PYY is homologous having 11 different residues. NPY analogs wherein the N-terminus is shortened and which may contain one or more specific subsitutions for the naturally occurring residues, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid or solid carrier, can be administered to mammals, including humans, to substantially lower blood pressure over an extended period of time or to counteract hypertension.