Abstract: A medical irradiation assembly (2) and method provides the target tissue (34) of a vessel (36) with a controlled dose of radiation in a simple, safe and effective manner. A catheter shaft (8) has a balloon (22) at its distal end (20) and a continuous loop, circumferentially-extending radiation source (32) configured to be expansible within the balloon and to be axially translated along and in contact with the inside surface (38) of the balloon by a pull wire (16). Proximal and distal radiation shields (18, 30) are used to house the radiation source, which may be a &bgr; source, before and after use. The continuous-loop radiation source stays in contact with the inside surface of the balloon so that the radiation source remains a constant distance, typically the thickness of the balloon, from the target tissue and irradiates the target tissue uniformly.

Abstract: The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft includes a optical fiber, and at least one coaxial layer of heat shrink polymer disposed over the optical fiber of a length shorter than the optical fiber, to provide variations in stiffness along the length of the shaft. The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft preferably includes a plurality of coaxial layers of heat shrink polymer encapsulating the optical fiber, extending from the proximal end of the optical fiber toward the distal end, the plurality of coaxial layers having different lengths to provide said optical fiber shaft with varying stiffness over the length of the optical fiber shaft. The plurality of coaxial layers can be arranged in successive progressively shorter coaxial layers, and can be formed of heat shrink polymeric material, such as polyethylene, PTFE, PEEK, PET or PPS.

Abstract: The endoluminal device delivery system and method for delivering an endoluminal device within a body lumen uses shape memory material in the form of a tubular collar to engage the endoluminal device during delivery to the desired location. The endoluminal device is engaged internally within the tubular collar either mechanically by crimping the tubular collar around a portion of the endoluminal device, or through an adhesive bond. The tubular collar can be crimped about a rounded portion of the stem of the endoluminal device. Once the endoluminal device is maneuvered through the body lumens to the desired location, it is decoupled from the delivery system by applying heat to the tubular collar of shape memory material.

Abstract: The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft includes a optical fiber, and at least one coaxial layer of heat shrink polymer disposed over the optical fiber of a length shorter than the optical fiber, to provide variations in stiffness along the length of the shaft. The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft preferably includes a plurality of coaxial layers of heat shrink polymer encapsulating the optical fiber, extending from the proximal end of the optical fiber toward the distal end, the plurality of coaxial layers having different lengths to provide said optical fiber shaft with varying stiffness over the length of the optical fiber shaft. The plurality of coaxial layers can be arranged in successive progressively shorter coaxial layers, and can be formed of heat shrink polymeric material, such as polyethylene, PTFE, PEEK, PET or PPS.