| abstract |
Each of various modifications of an integrated-structure inflatable balloon catheter design includes a longitudinal structure having a sharply-pointed insertion needle at a distal end of the longitudinal structure and an inflatable balloon situated intermediate a proximate end and the distal end of the longitudinal structure which is attached to said longitudinal structure. With the inflatable balloon in a deflated state, the insertion needle may be used to puncture the patient's skin and underlying sub-cutaneous tissue and place the deflated balloon in proximity to the diseased sub-cutaneous tissue, The balloon is then inflated to press against and thereby spatially deform the diseased sub-cutaneous tissue, after which the deformed diseased sub-cutaneous tissue may be therapeutically heated. This heating may be sufficient to cause the creation of a permanent cavity in the deformed diseased sub-cutaneous tissue which persists after the catheter is withdrawn. This permits any selected one of various therapeutic substances to be introduced into this a permanent cavity. One modification employs a balloon having a selected non-uniform, odd pattern shape which, when inflated, cooperates with the shape of the diseased sub-cutaneous tissue. This one modification also may be beneficially used in prostate-treating balloon catheters, which do not have a sharply-pointed insertion needle at the distal end thereof. |