The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 22, 2002
Filed:
Jan. 05, 2000
James E. Leone, Miami, FL (US);
Pallassana V. Narayanan, Belle Mead, NJ (US);
Other;
Abstract
At least a portion of a catheter system ( ) is provided with fullerene material ( ) for performing or facilitating a medical procedure. In the case of a balloon catheter, the outer surface of the balloon may have a coating of fullerenes ( ), which are preferably photosensitive or activated by light. A light source ( ) can be used to illuminate or other wise activate the fullerene material. The light source ( ) may be formed by one or more optical fibers extending through the shaft of the catheter, and into the balloon. Various arrangements of the catheter system are possible, whereby the light source may selectively emit light outward through the fullerene material, and associated portions of the catheter system, which may be translucent. When activated by light, the fullerene coating may preferably generate, and give off therapeutic oxygen radicals. These oxygen radicals may affect local cell function to prevent or reduce cell proliferation. This therapy may have many applications, including for example, limiting restenosis after angioplasty.