Methods and Apparatus for Sclerosing the Wall of a Varicose Vein

A method for treating an insufficient vein, comprising:

• a) delivering a first catheter having a balloon coupled at a distal end thereof through an incision and up the insufficient vein;
• b) expanding the balloon;
• and
• c) dispensing a sclerosing agent adjacent the balloon.

A method of delivering an intravascular drug to a blood vessel, said method comprising:

• a) delivering a first catheter via an incision to a first location in the blood vessel;
• b) dispensing the intravascular drug through the first catheter while moving the first catheter from the first location to a second location as the first catheter is at least partially pulled out of the incision;
• and
• c) removing the first catheter from the blood vessel.

A method of delivering an intravascular drug to a blood vessel, said method comprising:

• a) delivering a catheter system via an incision to a first location in the blood vessel, said catheter system having first, second, and third catheter tubes with first, second, and third balloons coupled to respective distal ends thereof, said second balloon being a self-expanding balloon, said third catheter tube extending through said second catheter tube, and said second catheter tube extending through said first catheter tube;
• b) inflating said third balloon at said first location;
• c) causing said self-expanding balloon to expand;
• d) inflating said first balloon at a second location;
• e) dispensing the drug through the second catheter tube;
• and
• f) moving said second catheter with said second balloon so that said second balloon moves between said first location and said second location.