Abstract: An intravascular radiation delivery system including a catheter, a radiation source disposed in an open-ended lumen in the catheter and a closed-ended sheath surrounding the radiation source so as to prevent blood and other fluids from coming into contact with the radiation source. Preferably, the open-ended lumen is centered in the balloon for uniform radiation delivery. The catheter may include a blood perfusion lumen under the balloon or around the balloon. The open-ended lumen in the catheter may have a reduced diameter adjacent the distal end of the catheter to prevent the radiation source from exiting the lumen. Methods of using the radiation delivery system are also disclosed. An alternative method of delivering radiation to a treatment site inside the vasculature of a patient using a gas-filled balloon catheter and a radiation source disposed in the balloon catheter. The treatment site is exposed to radiation, preferably beta radiation, through the gas-filled balloon.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for facilitating access to the left atrium, and specifically the left atrial appendage. The apparatus may comprise a sheath with first and second curved sections that facilitate location of the fossa ovalis and left atrial appendage. The apparatus may further comprise tissue piercing and dilating structures. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intravascular radiation delivery system including a catheter, a radiation source disposed in an open-ended lumen in the catheter and a closed-ended sheath surrounding the radiation source so as to prevent blood and other fluids from coming into contact with the radiation source. Preferably, the open-ended lumen is centered in the balloon for uniform radiation delivery. The catheter may include a blood perfusion lumen under the balloon or around the balloon. The open-ended lumen in the catheter may have a reduced diameter adjacent the distal end of the catheter to prevent the radiation source from exiting the lumen. Methods of using the radiation delivery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter used to deliver radiation to a vascular wall wherein the catheter includes an elongate shaft having a toroidal-serpentine balloon connected to its distal end. The toroidal-serpentine balloon provides a non-helical perfusion path while centering a delivery lumen inside the vasculature. A guide wire and/or a radiation source may be inserted into the delivery lumen. Methods of use and manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a blood-free interface for intravascular light delivery is disclosed. The method includes the steps of inserting a balloon catheter into the vasculature of a patient wherein the balloon catheter includes an infusion layer disposed about the balloon; inserting a light delivery catheter into the working lumen of the balloon catheter; inflating the balloon to displace blood inside the vasculature; infusing a liquid to displace blood between the inflated balloon and the inside wall of the vasculature so as to provide a relatively blood-free interface; and delivering light through the blood-free interface to the vasculature from the light delivery catheter. Fluid may be infused into the working lumen of the balloon catheter and around the light delivery catheter in order to displace any blood in the lumen.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter is disclosed which incorporates an elongate shaft which is at least partially optically transparent. The shaft includes an inflation lumen and a guide wire lumen extending therethrough in addition to an inflatable balloon connected to its distal end. The inflatable balloon may include a measuring index disposed thereon. The measuring index may comprise a plurality of longitudinally-spaced radial bands, a plurality of radially-spaced longitudinal bands, or a combination thereof. A method of using an angioscope in combination with a balloon catheter is also disclosed. The method involves inserting a balloon catheter with an optically transparent shaft section into a vascular lumen, inserting an angioscope into the balloon catheter, inflating the balloon on the balloon catheter, and measuring material characteristics of abnormal deposits therein.