Inhibition of restenosis by ultraviolet radiation
AssigneeBoston Advanced Technologies, Inc.
InventorRichard H. Clarke
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Restenosis following angioplasty can be inhibited by reducing the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel walls at an angioplasty site, and such reduction in cell proliferation can be accomplished by irradiating the angioplasty site with radiation in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range. The ultraviolet radiation is preferably delivered via an optical fiber or other waveguide incorporated, for example, into a percutaneous catheter. In operation, the ultraviolet radiation kills smooth muscle cells at the site, thereby reducing the risk of restenosis, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Claims6
A method of inhibiting restenosis associated with angioplasty, the method comprising:
- disposing an optical waveguide means inside a blood vessel;
- locating the waveguide means adjacent to an angioplasty side within the vessel;
- and
- irradiating the angioplasty site with UV radiation having a wavelength ranging from about 240 to about 280 nanometers via said optical means to deliver non-ablative, cytotoxic radiation to smooth muscle cells forming the blood vessel in the vicinity of the angioplasty side thereby reducing susceptibility to restenosis due to blood vessel cell proliferation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.