Apparatus and method for the treatment of esophageal varices and mucosal neoplasms

Abstract

A method and apparatus for treating esophageal varices and mucosal neoplasms. In one form of the present invention a balloon tamponade device is utilized to deliver a dressing containing a sclerosant agent to bleeding esophogeal varices. The balloon tamponade delivery results in a uniformed coating of the inflamed site with the treatment agent. The thrombosant agent penetrates the esophageal mucosa, thrombosis esophageal veins and prevents bleeding by provoking an inflammatory response which replaces the squamous esophogeal mucosa with scar tissue to prevent further bleeding from the varices. Another form of the present invention applies therapeutic agents to portions of the esophagus, rectum and/or other mucosal sites such as the urethral bladder, larynx, bronchial tube and vagina. Therapeutic agents containing anti-neoplastic and/or corrosive agents are applied to dressings which are placed in contact with the surface area containing the mucosal neoplasm. After the dressings have been delivered to the surface area they are maintained in contact with the lesion for a period of time. In one form of the present invention the delivery of the therapeutic agents to the lesions is accomplished through a balloon tamponade device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.