| abstract |
A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing therapeutic occlusions of blood vessels and other body tubular structures using an inflatable balloon (11) mounted at the end of a catheter (15). The balloon (11) and catheter (15) are passed through a blood vessel (12) until the balloon (15) reaches the desired location of the occlusion; a suspension of solid filler particles (27) in a carrier liquid is then pumped through the catheter tube (15) and inflates the blloon (11) until it blocks off the blood vessel. The carrier liquid is forced out through the porous walls of the balloon, leaving a compacted mass of filler particles which will not allow the balloon to shrink. Ridges (20) on the end of the catheter tube (15) engage mating grooves (21) in the neck portion (14) of the balloon structure during insertion and filling of the balloon; the size, shape, and number of these ridges and grooves can be selected to provide a desired force required to detach the catheter tube from the balloon. A valve (18) in the neck portion (14) of the balloon structure allows the particle suspension to pass into the balloon but blocks flow of particles out of the balloon while preferably allowing the carrier liquid to pass therethrough. Medication may be impregnated in either the particles in the balloon or the porous balloon walls to allow controlled release of the medication into the bloodstream. |