Abstract: An endovascular catheter device capable of heat and gas exchange with a patient's bloodstream comprises a catheter shaft, a heat exchanger, and a gas exchange element. The heat exchanger and the gas exchange element are in fluid communication with one or more internal lumens of the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft may be connected to a control system that permits a heat exchange fluid to be delivered to the heat exchanger, and that permits a gas to be delivered to the gas exchange element. The catheter device may also comprise one or more flow disruption devices to disrupt the laminar flow of blood around the catheter device. The catheter device may be used to cool and oxygenate a patient's blood, and improve organ function.

Abstract: A method and device for perfusing an organ system is provided. The device may be further described as a catheter or cannula with an expandable flow control member positioned of the distal portion of the catheter shaft. The flow control member has a porous portion, and at least one impermeable portion, which prevent fluid from flowing out the ends of the flow control member. The flow control member is further characterized as having an interior chamber that is in fluid communication with a perfusion lumen that extends along the length of the catheter shaft and is in fluid communication with an external perfusion pump. The perfusion lumen is configured for providing flow to the interior of the flow control member, to create radial expansion thereof and to provide adequate flow to the arch vessels through said porous portion to sustain the metabolic demands of the brain.

Abstract: A method of making a catheter balloon or other tubular medical device or component, in which a sheet of polymeric material is wrapped on a mandrel and heated to fuse sections of the wrapped sheet together to form a tube. The mandrel has a metallic core and a jacket on an outer surface of the metallic core, and the wrapped sheet of polymeric material is heated without corroding the metallic core of the mandrel. In a presently preferred embodiment, the sheet is formed of a fluoropolymeric material, and the resulting fluoropolymeric tube forms at least a layer of a catheter balloon.

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering a drug to a selected tissue region within a patient's body with a catheter having a deployable puncturing element, a drug delivery element and an orientation element on a distal portion thereof. The distal portion of the catheter is percutaneously introduced into a blood vessel, and directed endovascularly to a vessel location adjacent to the selected tissue region. The puncturing element is oriented towards the selected tissue region, and deployed to access the selected tissue region. A drug is delivered with the drug delivery element to the selected tissue region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and device for preventing stenosis and/or restenosis after an invasive procedure in a body vessel or cavity having an inner wall surface, the system comprising inserting a device coated with a growth arresting, lipid-derived, bioactive substance at a desired location along the inner wall surface of the body vessel or cavity.

Abstract: An angioplasty device with emboli pull-in mechanism is provided that includes an infusion catheter with a proximal end and a distal end. A balloon catheter having an inflatable cavity formed by an inner wall and an outer wall is disposed coaxially with the infusion catheter. The balloon catheter has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the balloon catheter is sealingly attached to the infusion catheter. And the balloon catheter has at least one communicating channel disposed from the outer wall to the inner wall of the balloon catheter. A suction catheter is disposed between the balloon catheter and the infusion catheter. The suction catheter is in fluid communication with the at least one communicating channel in the balloon catheter.

Abstract: Vascular access systems and devices for facilitating repeated access to a blood vessel for the external treatment of blood, such as dialysis, and in intra-venous administration of medicines, such as heparin, for extended periods of time. The vascular access systems comprise an anastomosis graft vessel, an occlusal balloon, and a port device for accessing the occlusal balloon. Occlusal balloons can be nonpermeable or permeable to drive an osmotic gradient and to deliver agents, such as heparin, into the blood stream. In addition, occlusal balloons can adopt a distended and a collapsed configuration, the latter allowing for blood flow through the anastomosis graft vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for testing a pulmonary vein to determine whether or not ablation would be effective in terminating atrial fibrillation. The devices and methods include a catheter having an expandable balloon attached to the distal end of the catheter. The balloon has pores on the distal end of the balloon for administering a fluid into the target pulmonary vein. The fluid inhibits the electrical impulses generated by the target pulmonary vein. Once the electrical impulses of the target pulmonary vein have been inhibited it can be determined whether or not the atrial fibrillation continues to occur. If the atrial fibrillation has been eliminated, then ablation or other therapy is appropriate. Thus, the devices and methods limit unnecessary treatment of a pulmonary vein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for endoluminal delivery of fluid, such as therapeutic fluid, into the vessel wall that minimizes loss of the fluid. In one embodiment, a catheter for delivering fluid or therapeutic into a vessel wall is provided, wherein the catheter has at least one injector for delivering fluid and a sealing mechanism for preventing or minimizing passage of fluid through an unengaged injector.

Abstract: The invention described herein consists of an oxygen deliver source for local blood or tissue oxygenation. The invention consists of porous polymer structures being part of a medical device from which a liquid oxygen carrier is locally or systemically released. The substrate membrane impregnated with the oxygen carrier may be a part of a tube, a balloon, a perfusion balloon, a stent and a wire. The substrate membrane is sealed with a removable housing for the oxygen carrier to allow storage of the medical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-function catheter assembly for treating arterial plaques. The multifunction catheter comprises a flexible tubular catheter body, an inflatable balloon assembly capable of multi-stage inflation at a distal end of the catheter body, at least one fluid delivery conduit formed on the catheter body, and at least one balloon control conduit formed within the catheter body. The balloon, when inflated to a first stage inside a vessel at the treatment site, defines a chamber between the balloon and the vessel wall. The at least one fluid delivery conduit is adapted to permit the delivery of an agent into the chamber to dissolve a plaque. After the removal of the plaque, the balloon is further inflated to a second stage to install a stent in the space that is vacated by the plaque. The stent can be a pre-manufactured stent or a customized stent formed by filing the space between the balloon and the treated vessel wall with a fluent composition that is solidified in situ.

Abstract: A chemo-thermo applicator insertable into a tubular membrane in the body of an individual to occupy a site therein in which the surface of the membrane is disrupted by cancerous lesions. The applicator includes concentric inner and outer tubular balloons in which the annular space therebetween is filled with a chemotherapy supply the outer balloon being perforated. In operation, a stream of heated air is fed into the inner balloon which acts to inflate this balloon and to heat the supply to cause it to melt and form a cream. Inflation of the inner balloon acts to expand the outer balloon causing it to conform to the surface of the membrane. The pressure imposed on the supply as the inner balloon expands, forces the heated cream to extrude through the outer balloon perforations to coat the surface of the membrane with the heated cream which then functions as a chemo-thermo agent to destroy the cancerous lesions.

Abstract: An intravascular drug delivery balloon catheter incorporating a highly compliant balloon having a plurality of infusion holes. The highly compliant balloon elastically expands at a low inflation pressure (e.g., less than 1.0 ATM), and preferably has a compliance of 2.0 mm/ATM or more at pressures less than 2.0 ATM. A pressure relief valve may be incorporated into the catheter to avoid over pressurization. The infusion holes may be open when the balloon is deflated and may enlarge when the balloon is inflated. The balloon may define a single lobe or two inflatable lobes with the infusion holes disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering therapeutic agents and method of making such a device. The device including an inflatable balloon having a plurality of holes formed in the wall of the balloon. A microporous coating covers a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the balloon. The thickness of the coating and the size of the micropores can permit controlled delivery of a substance from the micropores of the coating and into the tissue of a patient's lumen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a balloon catheter having an irrigation sheath. The balloon catheter has a first expandable membrane forming an occluding balloon. A second membrane forms a sheath about the occluding balloon for providing irrigation to a body lumen. Fluid is provided to the occluding balloon to position the catheter and/or occlude the flow of blood. Fluid is then passed through the sheath to irrigate the target site. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sheath has a plurality of fluid releasing pores.

Abstract: An x-ray catheter being a tapered head can penetrate tumors and deliver x-rays direct from an x-ray source therein to the target tissue, reducing or eliminating irradiation of healthy tissue.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of substances or apparatus to target sites located outside blood vessels within the body of a human or animal patient. A vessel wall penetrating catheter is inserted into the vasculature, positioned and oriented within a blood vessel near the target extravascular site and a penetrator is advanced from the catheter so as to penetrate outwardly through the wall of the blood vessel in the direction of the target site. Thereafter, a delivery catheter is passed through a lumen of the penetrator to the target site. A desired substance or apparatus is then delivered to or obtained from the target site. In some applications, the penetrator may be retracted into the vessel wall penetrating catheter and the vessel wall penetrating catheter may be removed, leaving the delivery catheter in place for chronic or continuous delivery of substance(s) to and/or obtaining of information or samples from the target site.

Abstract: A catheter including an injection port at or near the distal end thereof and a mechanism for causing the injection port to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position the injection port is substantially aligned with a central axis of the catheter. Upon activation of the mechanism, the injection port moves between the first position and the second position perpendicular to the central axis of the catheter. The mechanism also causes the injection port to move away from the central axis of the catheter and into a wall of the vasculature.

Abstract: A catheter for use with a radioactive source within the catheter to irradiate a selected area of a blood vessel in combination with angioplasty procedures, to prevent restenosis of that area of the blood vessel. The catheter has a guidewire channel formed near its distal end to facilitate use of the catheter as a rapid exchange catheter, allowing insertion of the catheter over a guidewire also used in performance of an angioplasty procedure. The catheter also has a radiation lumen with a sealed end to retain the radioactive source within the catheter. The radiation lumen is sufficiently longer than the guidewire channel to extend into a non-sterile field, keeping the radiation source segregated from the blood, allowing the use of a non-sterile radiation source. The catheter can also be provided with a centering balloon or a set of centering wire loops to center the radioactive source radially within the blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a local delivery device comprising a distal catheter unit and a proximal catheter unit which may be positioned by sliding over the distal catheter unit. Both the distal and the proximal catheter units have separate inflatable occluding balloons. The slidable positioning of the catheter units in relation to each other provides for variable inter-balloon distances, which in turn provides for a variably sized occlusion region in a hollow tubular organ, for example a vessel. Dispersed on the catheter shaft between the two occluding balloons are multiple infusion ports through which therapeutic agents may be delivered to an occluded region of a hollow tubular organ. The local delivery device may further comprise a quantifying device for determining the distance between the two occluding balloons. Therefore, precise adjustment of the inter-balloon distance permits controlled delivery of therapeutics to a discreet length of the hollow tubular organ wall.

Abstract: Devices and methods for testing a pulmonary vein to determine whether or not ablation would be effective in terminating atrial fibrillation. The devices and methods include a catheter having an expandable balloon attached to the distal end of the catheter. The balloon has pores on the distal end of the balloon for administering a fluid into the target pulmonary vein. The fluid inhibits the electrical impulses generated by the target pulmonary vein. Once the electrical impulses of the target pulmonary vein have been inhibited it can be determined whether or not the atrial fibrillation continues to occur. If the atrial fibrillation has been eliminated, then ablation or other therapy is appropriate. Thus, the devices and methods limit unnecessary treatment of a pulmonary vein.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a local drug delivery mechanism for use with a protection device. An infusing device is used to charge the drug into the catheter lumen toward a distal portion of the lumen having a plurality of drug delivery exit ports. The drug exits the ports into the patient's vascular system and is able to flow toward a filter maintaining the patency of the filter.

Abstract: A catheter having a perfusion section encapsulated by a porous membrane. The catheter can include a shaft to accommodate a radiation source. A spiraled balloon can be positioned about the shaft for centering within a body lumen. Additionally, a longitudinal balloon or mechanical expansion can be provided about the shaft for positioning within a body lumen. A radiotherapy system can be included with a radiation source and a catheter having a perfusion section encapsulated by a porous membrane. A method is provided where a catheter with a perfusion section encapsulated by a porous membrane is advanced through a body lumen. The body lumen is treated by the catheter while a body fluid is perfused past the perfusion section.

Abstract: A method and device for perfusing an organ system is provided. The device may be further described as a catheter or cannula with an expandable flow control member positioned of the distal portion of the catheter shaft. The flow control member has a porous portion, and at least one impermeable portion, which prevent fluid from flowing out the ends of the flow control member. The flow control member is further characterized as having an interior chamber that is in fluid communication with a perfusion lumen that extends along the length of the catheter shaft and is in fluid communication with an external perfusion pump. The perfusion lumen is configured for providing flow to the interior of the flow control member, to create radial expansion thereof and to provide adequate flow to the arch vessels through said porous portion to sustain the metabolic demands of the brain.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inflatable member for delivery of therapeutic agents to a desired site within a patient's body, in particular, balloons for use with balloon catheters and stent delivery systems; balloon catheters and stent delivery systems including the same; and methods for making and using the same. The inflatable member of the present invention includes an outer and an inner layer and an outer chamber therebetween for housing the therapeutic agent. The outer layer includes apertures for releasing the therapeutic agent to the desired site. Optionally, the inner layer may also include perforations.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering therapeutic agents and method of making such a device. The device including an inflatable balloon having a plurality of holes formed in the wall of the balloon. A microporous coating covers a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the balloon. The thickness of the coating and the size of the micropores can permit controlled delivery of a substance from the micropores of the coating and into the tissue of a patient's lumen.

Abstract: A method and medical device component allowing visualization through the opaque material used to form the component. In a method of the invention for visualization through a medical device component formed of a porous opaque material, a fluid is applied to the porous material which has a refractive index substantially similar to the refractive index of the porous material, so that the transparency of the porous material is increased. In one embodiment, the medical device component is a catheter balloon.

Abstract: An x-ray catheter being a tapered bead can penetrate tumors and deliver x-rays direct from an x-ray source therein to the target tissue, reducing or eliminating irradiation of healthy tissue.

Abstract: The invention features a method for triggering release of a drug from a hydrogel polymer to tissue at a desired location of the body using a catheter. A portion of the catheter is coated on its outer surface with a polymer having the capacity to incorporate a predetermined substantial amount of drug which is immobilized in the polymer until released by a triggering agent or condition that is different from physiological conditions. Upon contact with a triggering agent or condition, the polymer reacts, e.g., swells or contracts, such that the drug is delivered to the desired body tissue. A balloon catheter is shown in which the hydrogel is carried on the exterior surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A method and device for perfusing an organ system is provided. The device may be further described as a catheter or cannula with an expandable flow control member positioned of the distal portion of the catheter shaft. The flow control member has a porous portion, and at least one impermeable portion, which prevent fluid from flowing out the ends of the flow control member. The flow control member is further characterized as having an interior chamber that is in fluid communication with a perfusion lumen that extends along the length of the catheter shaft and is in fluid communication with an external perfusion pump. The perfusion lumen is configured for providing flow to the interior of the flow control member, to create radial expansion thereof and to provide adequate flow to the arch vessels through said porous portion to sustain the metabolic demands of the brain.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflatable device 1 for insertion in a substantially deflated state, into a blood or other biological fluid carrying vessel 4 for controlling extra-vascular hemorrhage from a damaged portion 6 of the vessel 4 when the device 1 is in an inflated state. The device 1 defines in its inflated state an elongate open-ended tube having a passage 8 extending therethrough, through which blood or another biological fluid flows while allowing repair of the damaged portion 6 of the vessel 4.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided having a balloon disposed at the distal end thereof. The balloon is capable of being inflated to selectively dilate from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. A syringe assembly is in fluid communication with a delivery lumen of the catheter assembly for allowing a therapeutic substance to be injected into a tissue of a passageway. The syringe assembly includes a portion capable of pivoting from a first position towards a second position when the balloon is being inflated from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. The portion of the syringe assembly is also capable of pivoting from the second position back towards the first position when the balloon is being deflated.

Abstract: A radially expandable device having a body constructed of a generally inelastic, expanded fluoropolymer material is described. The body is deployable upon application of a radial expansion force from a reduced diameter, collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a pre-defined and fixed increased diameter. The body has a singular, unitary construction of generally homogenous material that is characterized by a seamless construction of expanded fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and is preferably constructed through an extrusion and expansion process. The body is further characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils in which substantially all the nodes of the body are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: The emboli protection system provides one or more inflatable blocking balloons for isolation of a section of a blood vessel to prevent migration of emboli from the section during an interventional procedure, and fluid infusion and evacuation ports for flushing emboli from the isolated section. One embodiment provides for a distal blocking balloon catheter, over which an interventional device can be introduced, and a proximal blocking balloon catheter to be introduced over the interventional device for isolating a portion of a blood vessel to be treated. The blocking balloons can be perforated to provide the infusion ports, and thrombolytic inflation fluid may be used to break down and dissolve thrombus and plaque in the isolated portion of the blood vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating a controlled pattern of ablation throughout the interior of an organ or body cavity while minimizing thermal damage to collateral tissue includes a microporous balloon mounted on a catheter. The balloon, bearing electrodes embedded in the surface, is inserted into the target body region and inflated, whereupon the electrodes come into contact with the interior of the targeted organ. Because of its microporous nature, fluids for cooling or various therapeutic purposes may pass through the surface of the balloon to the target site. Sensors monitor conditions such as temperature and impedance at the site, providing required feedback for delivery of RF energy for ablation, and administration of cooling and hydrating fluids. A second balloon or other means isolates the treatment area and controls the flow and accumulation of body fluids and treatment fluids minimizing adverse treatment effects from fluid accumulations, and anchoring the catheter in place.

Abstract: An expandable balloon for insertion into the urinary bladder of an individual. The balloon may be used in treating the urinary bladder, in monitoring the urinary bladder or in the treatment of urinary incontinence.

Abstract: An endovascular aneurysm occlusion device comprising a detachable balloon assembly. The balloon assembly is comprised of an outer balloon and an inner balloon. The outer balloon is formed from a porous material. The occlusion device is expanded within an aneurysm and adhesive material is injected into and perfused through the outer balloon. The adhesive material forms a bond between the aneurysm, the outer balloon, and the inner balloon. The inner balloon is then deflated, which acts to reduce the size of the aneurysm.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting or preventing hyperplastic intimal growth by intravascular administration of a composition comprising heparin, or a derivative thereof in conjunction with at least one electric pulse having sufficient strength and duration to cause electroporation of the cells lining the blood vessel. Such treatment inhibits or prevents hyperplastic intimal growth in vessels, such as arteries, as compared with a non-electroporated vessel to which the heparin, or derivative thereof, is administered.

Abstract: Medical device (1) for effecting heat treatment and local delivery of a fluid medicament on body tissue presenting a predetermined section of a boundary wall of a passageway in a human or animal body comprising a catheter-like member (12) for insertion into the passageway to a predetermined insertion position, the catheter-like member being provided with an inflatable balloon structure (11) having a boundary wall which is inflatable against the body tissue when the catheter-like member (12) is in the predetermined insertion position and delivery means (2,11,25) for local delivery of the fluid medicament on the body tissue when the catheter-like member (12) is in the predetermined insertion position, and a heating arrangement (10,15) which is adapted to heat the body tissue when the catheter-like member (12) is in the predetermined insertion position.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for treatment of body strictures to restore luminal diameter to within a normal diameter range, in which the stricture is dilated to stretch its lumen to a desired diameter, collagen is exuded near to existing tissue of the stricture so as to be absorbed by that tissue or adhere to that tissue, making a collagen-enhanced tissue structure, and energy is emitted to affect the collagen-enhanced tissue, such as by ablation or by hardening. Ablation and hardening may be repeated so as to create a set of layers of hardened collagen in the form of a supporting frame, preferably having a hollow cylindrical shape. Dilation of the stricture is achieved by expanding one or more balloons, or by the pressure of exuded collagen, until the stricture is larger than a normal diameter range. When energy is emitted into the collagen, the stricture contracts back to the normal diameter range, either by ablation of excess tissue or by plating of the stricture wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter, more particularly a guiding catheter (10). The guiding catheter (10) comprises an inner layer (46), a reinforcement layer (24), and an outer layer (16). The reinforcement layer (46) generally extends from the proximal end (14) of the guiding catheter (10) and terminates proximal to the distal end (18) of the guiding catheter. The distal portion of the guiding catheter (10) comprises a soft material to facilitate manipulation. The reinforcement layer (24) can be attached to the inner layer (46) and the outer layer (16) attaches to both the reinforcement layer (24) and the inner layer (46). Proximal portion of the guiding catheter can have a folded cuff (52).

Abstract: A chemo-thermo applicator insertable into a tubular membrane in the body of an individual to occupy a site therein in which the surface of the membrane is disrupted by cancerous lesions. The applicator includes concentric inner and outer tubular balloons in which the annular space therebetween is filled with a chemotherapy supply the outer balloon being perforated. In operation, a stream of heated air is fed into the inner balloon which acts to inflate this balloon and to heat the supply to cause it to melt and form a cream. Inflation of the inner balloon acts to expand the outer balloon causing it to conform to the surface of the membrane. The pressure imposed on the supply as the inner balloon expands, forces the heated cream to extrude through the outer balloon perforations to coat the surface of the membrane with the heated cream which then functions as a chemo-thermo agent to destroy the cancerous lesions.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for reducing restenosis rate after balloon angioplasty is provided. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator and an intravascular catheter with electrodes adapted for delivery of electrical pulses to the media and adventitia of the treated segment of an artery. The amplitude, duration and number of the electrical pulses applied to the artery wall are sufficient to significantly deplete the population of smooth muscle cells, exuberant proliferation of which causes restenosis. To avoid possible fibrillation, the electric pulses are delivered during periods of depolarized state of myocardium.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus has an expandable member that is inserted into an organ of a body and ablates all or a selected portion of the inner layer of the organ. Electrolytic solution fills the expandable member, and the expandable member includes a plurality of apertures from which electrolytic solution flows from the expandable member. First and second fluid conduits, which can be first and second conforming members, are in a surrounding relationship to the expandable member. The second conforming member, including a conductive surface, is made of a material that provides substantial conformity between the conductive surface and a shape of the inner layer of the organ. A plurality of electrodes is positioned between the two conforming members. The expandable member serves as an insulator to RF energy. Each electrode includes an insulator formed on a surface of the electrode positioned adjacent to the second conforming member.

Abstract: A dilating and support apparatus with disease inhibitors and methods for use is disclosed that is particularly useful for repairing and/or serving as a conduit for body passageways that require reinforcement, dilatation, disease prevention or the like. Such apparatuses are utilized to deliver a therapy, that therapy being from a family of devices, drugs, or any of a variety of other elements to a specific location within the body. The instant disclosure provides a system of combining a novel radial deployment and/or drug delivery therapy with existing balloon dilatation therapy into one device. This combination will yield a significant decrease in cost to the healthcare system as well as providing a therapy to the patient with increased safety and efficacy. Further, the instant invention provides a novel and improved platform for synthetic/tissue interface between the device and the body.

Abstract: A catheter for injecting medication to a specific point within a patient comprises a drug delivery lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter to an injection port. The catheter comprises a mechanism for angularly pushing the injection port outwardly away from the body of the catheter into an artery wall so that medication can be injected directly into the artery wall.

Abstract: Medical devices including a substrate that are expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state; a coating on the substrate, the coating having a drug agent incorporated therein; and a sheath over the coating. The sheath is expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state and has at least one perforation therein. The medical devices are configured such that when the substrate is in a compressed state, the sheath is also in a compressed state and the perforation is substantially closed. When the substrate is in an expanded state, the sheath is also in an expanded state and the perforation is substantially open. The invention also includes a method of using the medical devices for the controlled, localized delivery of a drug agent to a target location within a mammalian body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter or cannula system that facilitates cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries and enables prolonged circulatory support of the heart. More specifically, the present invention provides an aortic catheter system including a porous aortic root balloon capable of occluding the aorta, delivering cardioplegia and providing tactile feedback and helping to maintain the competency of regurgitant aortic valves.

Abstract: Vascular access systems and devices for facilitating repeated access to a blood vessel for the external treatment of blood, such as dialysis, and in intra-venous administration of medicines, such as heparin, for extended periods of time. The vascular access systems comprise an anastomosis graft vessel, an occlusal balloon, and a port device for accessing the occlusal balloon. Occlusal balloons can be nonpermeable or permeable to drive an osmotic gradient and to deliver agents, such as heparin, into the blood stream. In addition, occlusal balloons can adopt a distended and a collapsed configuration, the latter allowing for blood flow through the anastomosis graft vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the endovascular formation of a radioactive stent using a radioactive composition. These compositions are delivered to one or more vascular sites in a mammal as a fluid composition which solidifies in vivo to form a solid, coherent radioactive mass, preferably in the form or a stent. The solidified mass stents the vascular site thereby delivering the radioactivity attendant with the composition resulting in inhibition of restenosis.