Importance

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Abstract

A stepped centering catheter for delivery of intravascular radiation therapy including a central segment of a first effective diameter and smaller, offset segments of second effective diameters to each side of the central segment. The first effective diameter of the central segment substantially centers a portion of a radiation source within the lumen of a vessel along a therapeutic treatment length. The second effective diameters of the offset segments constrain portions of the radioactive source that extend beyond the therapeutic treatment length within a region having a minimum offset distance from the vessel wall. The first effective diameter of the central segment is gradually tapered to the second effective diameter of the offset segments across first steps. The second effective diameters of the offset segments are gradually tapered to the diameter of the catheter shaft across second steps. The smaller diameter offset segments and tapered change in diameters mitigates further injury to vessel walls located outside the therapeutic treatment length.

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First Claim