초록 ▼

A transfer device and catheter assembly for the delivery of treatment elements to a selected location within the intraluminal passageways of a patient as part of an intraluminal radiation system. The transfer device includes a gate member that permits the treatment elements to have the transfer devi

A transfer device and catheter assembly for the delivery of treatment elements to a selected location within the intraluminal passageways of a patient as part of an intraluminal radiation system. The transfer device includes a gate member that permits the treatment elements to have the transfer device only if the catheter is attached thereto. A pressure indicator provides a visual indication of the fluid pressure within the transfer device, and provides for a release of the fluid if the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. The catheter also includes detents to secure it to the transfer device and which must be manually activated to remove the catheter from the transfer device. The transfer device includes circuiting that determines whether the treating elements reside within the transfer device based upon the reflectivity of the treating elements. A method for determining whether treating elements reside in the catheter is also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] In a transfer device useable in a system for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient by at least one treating element advanced through a lumen in the transfer device into a lumen of a separate catheter by means of pressurized fluid, the catheter having a pr

[ We claim:] [1.] In a transfer device useable in a system for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient by at least one treating element advanced through a lumen in the transfer device into a lumen of a separate catheter by means of pressurized fluid, the catheter having a proximal end with a connector integral therewith for attaching the catheter to a central opening in the transfer device, the improvement comprising:an actuator assembly including a gate member movable between a first position that prevents the treating element from entering the lumen of the catheter and a second position that permits the treating element to enter the lumen of the catheter, said gate member being movable into said second position only if the catheter is attached to the transfer device;a movable switch member biased into a first position that interferes with the movement of said gate member into said second position and movable to a second position upon the connector being received in said central opening of the transfer device, thereby allowing said gate member to be moved into said second position; anda movable trigger member biased to interfere with the receipt of the connector into said central opening, said trigger member being movable into locking engagement with the connector when the connector is received in said central opening, and a release button for disengaging said trigger from the connector to permit the catheter to be disconnected from the transfer device.