Importance

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Abstract

A device, system and method for delivering radiation to interior body sites, including stenosed blood vessel regions for the purpose of inhibiting restenosis after angioplasty. A string having a radioactive first region, a second region, and an intermediate region is disposed within or along an elongate shaft having a distal return member. The string intermediate portion is typically initially looped over the distal return member. The radioactive region is normally initially disposed within a radiation shielding vault or enclosure. The elongate shaft can be advanced within a vessel to the site to be treated, followed by pulling the string to advance the string radioactive region within the shaft to the treatment site. After exposure, the string can be retracted, placing the radioactive string region back within the vault. The string can be used and re-used without sterilization when used within catheter lumens not in fluid communication with bodily fluids.

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First Claim