| abstract |
Disclosed is a sealed radiation source, which may be used to deliver a radioactive dose to a site in a body lumen. The source comprises a thin flexible substrate, and a layer of radioisotope attached thereto. The source may further comprise additional layers such as one or more tie layers disposed between the substrate and the radioisotope layer and one or more outer coating layers. In one embodiment, the source is wrapped around an inflatable balloon. Inflation of the balloon at a treatment site positions the source directly adjacent to the vessel wall, and allows irradiation of the site following or simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty, stent implantation, or stent sizing procedure. |