Low attenuation guide wire for intravascular radiation delivery

[0002] The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for intravascular ionizing radiation therapy. More specifically, the present invention relates to improved guide wires for intravascular ionizing radiation therapy.

[0003] Intravascular ionizing radiation therapy is being used increasingly to treat vascular disease, and has been proposed as both a primary and a secondary therapy for treating vascular restrictions. Clinical studies have shown that ionizing radiation may be effectively used to inhibit or prevent restenosis after percutaneous translumenal coronary angioplasty (PCTA). For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,171 to Bradshaw et al disclose a method and apparatus for intravascular radiotherapy for prevention of restenosis following angioplasty or other procedures that cause smooth cell proliferation.

[0004] As best seen in FIG. 1 of Bradshaw et al., a catheter 10 is illustrated having an elongate shaft 12 with a distal treatment section 14 and a distal tip 16. Attached to the distal treatment section 14 is a centering balloon 40. The elongate shaft 12 also includes a treatment channel 20 as best seen in FIG. 2. The treatment channel 20 allows for the introduction of a source wire (not shown) having a distal radioactive section. With this design, the catheter 10 allegedly maintains the treatment channel 20, and thus the source wire, in the center of the vessel, despite vessel curvature in the region the vessel being treated, for uniform delivery of radiation.

[0005] One disadvantage of this particular design is the arrangement of the catheter 10 relative to the guide wire 32, which may block radiation from reaching the vessel wall 30. In particular, the shaft 12 includes a distal Monorail®-type guide wire lumen 24 that allows the catheter to be advanced over the guide wire 32 until the treatment section 14 is disposed in the target area 34 of the blood vessel 30. The distal Monorail®-type lumen 24 opens at the distal tip of the shaft and exits through the lateral surface of the shaft 12 distal of the balloon 40. Thus, the guide wire 32 extends adjacent the catheter 10 and centering balloon 40 at the target area 34 of the blood vessel 30.

[0006] Because guide wires are conventionally formed of metal alloys such as stainless steel, the guide wire 32 will tend to attenuate radiation emitted by the source wire disposed in the treatment channel 20. Attenuation of the radiation causes a shadow to be cast on the vessel wall 30 in the target area 34 such that a portion of the target area 34 is not uniformly exposed to ionizing radiation. Failure to expose the entire target area 34 to ionizing radiation may give rise to restenosis at the unexposed or underexposed region. The recurrence of restenosis anywhere in the target area 34 is clearly disadvantageous since the primary objective of the therapy is to prevent or otherwise inhibit restenosis.

[0007] The initial response to solving this problem may be to move (e.g., retract or withdraw) the guide wire 32 to avoid blocking radiation. However, retraction of guide wire in the proximal direction such that the guide wire 32 does not extend across the target area 34, is not a particularly viable option because vascular access across the target area 34 would be lost and access to the guide wire lumen 24 at the distal tip of the shaft 12 would also be lost. In many instances, it is undesirable to lose vascular access across the target area 34 since the restriction may recoil rendering it difficult if not impossible to renavigate the guide wire 32 across the target site 34. Without the guide wire 32 disposed across the target area 34, it would be difficult to redilate or otherwise treat the vascular restriction. In addition, losing access to the guide wire lumen 24 makes it difficult, if not impossible, to steer or guide the catheter 10 through the vascular channel. Thus, it is extremely undesirable to retract the guide wire 32 in the proximal direction. Because it is undesirable to retract the guide wire 32 in the proximal direction, the guide wire 32 must be left in place where it will inevitably attenuate radiation emitted from the source wire .

[0008] The present invention overcomes these disadvantages by providing a low attenuation guide wire for use in combination with a radiation device (e.g., source wire) having a distal portion emitting ionizing radiation. The guide wire includes a proximal region and a distal region, wherein the distal region is less attenuating to ionizing radiation than the proximal region. The distal region of the guide wire may remain disposed adjacent the distal ionizing radiation emitting portion of the radiation device without significantly compromising the emission or absorption of radiation. Thus, the guide wire does not need to be removed or retracted in order to effectively deliver ionizing radiation to the vascular target site. This is particularly beneficial when it is desirable to maintain vascular access across the target site and when it is desirable to use rapid exchange type catheters (e.g., Monorail® catheters).

[0009] The distal region may be less attenuating to low energy gamma, high energy gamma, and/or beta radiation, depending on the material(s) selected and the attenuation characteristics desired. The material(s) selected may have a lower atomic number, a lower atomic weight, and/or a lower density than the proximal region, also depending the attenuation characteristics desired for different types of ionizing radiation. The region less attenuating to ionizing radiation may comprise one or more polymers, metals, or composites thereof. Preferably, the distal end of the distal region is relatively more radiopaque to facilitate radiographic visualization and fluoroscopic navigation.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a low attenuation guide wire of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a low attenuation guide wire of the present invention; and

[0012] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a low attenuation guide wire of the present invention

[0013] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0014] Refer now to FIG. 1 which illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a low attenuation guide wire 10 of the present invention. Guide wire 10 is particularly useful in combination with a Monorail®-type radiation device having a distal portion emitting ionizing radiation. For example, guide wire 10 may be used in place of guide wire 44 as described in European Patent Application No. 688 580 A1 to Verin et al., or in place of guide wire 32 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,171 to Bradshaw et al., both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Guide wire 10 is suitable for use in combination with wide variety of radiation devices wherein the radiation device is adapted to be advanced over a guide wire. Such radiation devices are well known in the art and have been described herein on a limited basis for purposes of simplicity and clarity. In addition, although particularly suitable for radiation devices, those skilled in the art will recognize that guide wire 10 is also suitable for use in combination with other non-radiation devices such as over-the-wire (OTW) balloon catheters, guide catheters, atherectomy catheters, etc.

[0015] Guide wire 10 includes an elongate shaft having a proximal region 12 and a distal region 14. The distal region 14 includes a proximal end portion 14aand a distal end portion 14b. Proximal end portion 14aof distal region 14 may also be referred to as a mid-portion 14a. The guide wire 10, including the proximal region 12 and the distal region 14 is sized to navigate the human vasculature from an access site to a remote target site. For example, guide wire 10 may have a diameter of approximately 0.010 to 0.022 inches depending on the inside diameter of the vasculature being navigated, and a length ranging from 60 to 350 centimeters depending on the distance from the access site to the target site. The guide wire 10 may be longer or be capable of attachment to an extension wire to provide the exchange length necessary for some OTW catheters.

[0016] Assuming a nominal length of approximately 150 centimeters, such as for coronary applications, the proximal region 12 may have a length of approximately 136-146 centimeters, the distal region 14 may have a length ranging from 6-40 centimeters. The proximal end portion 14amay have a length ranging from 34-38 centimeters and the distal end portion 14bmay have a length ranging from 2-6 centimeters. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these dimensions are merely exemplary and may be modified depending on the desired performance characteristics of the guide wire 10 and the particular vascular anatomy being navigated.

[0017] The proximal region 12 of the guide wire 10 includes a core member 16, comprising a conventional guide wire material such as stainless steel, nitinol, or the like. The proximal end portion 14aof the distal region 14 includes a core member 18 comprising a material that is less attenuating (i.e., more transparent) to ionizing radiation the material of the core member 16 of the proximal region 12. The distal end portion 14bof the distal region 14 includes a spring tip 20 having a core member 22 and a coil member 24 which are more radiopaque than the material of the core member 18 of the proximal end portion 14a.

[0018] Core member 16 may be connected to core member 18 by a number of suitable means. For example, if core member 16 and core member 18 are formed of compatible materials, the distal end of core member 16 may be welded, soldered or brazed to the proximal end of core member 18. Similarly, if the material of core member 18 is compatible with the material of core member 22, the distal end of core member 18 may be welded, soldered or brazed to the proximal end of core member 22. Alternatively, the ends of core members 16, 18 and 22 may be connected using a suitable adhesive. To improve the integrity of the connections, a polymer jacket 26 may be disposed about the core members 16, 18 and 22. The polymer jacket 26 does not significantly increase attenuation of the proximal end portion 14a. The proximal end of the polymer jacket 26 may be connected to the proximal end of core member 16 utilizing a suitable adhesive 28. Similarly, the distal end of polymer jacket 26 may be connected to the proximal end of core member 22 utilizing adhesive 28.

[0019] Coil member 24 may be secured to core member 22 utilizing conventional means. For example, the proximal end of coil member 24 may be connected to the proximal end of core member 22 utilizing a solder or braze joint 30, assuming suitable and compatible materials are selected for coil member 24 and core member 22. The distal end of coil member 24 may be connected to the distal end of core member 22 by welding the materials together to form a atramatic weld ball 32.

[0020] As mentioned previously, the proximal end portion 14aof the distal region 14 is less attenuating (i.e., more transparent) to ionizing radiation than the proximal region 12. The material selected for the core member 18 in the region 14aless attenuating to ionizing radiation may be selected from the materials as identified in Group A of Table 1. These materials may be used in pure form or may be combined with other materials. For example, the material comprising the region 14aless attenuating to ionizing radiation may comprise a compound, an alloy, a composite, etc. An example of a composite is a polymer tube reinforced with carbon, aluminum, or glass fibers in the form of a coil, braid, or other suitable structure. Examples of polymers suitable for such a composite include polyethelene, polyurethane, polyiomid, polyamid, nylon, ect.,

[0021] The specific material or combination of materials selected from Group A is not critical as long as the region 14ais less attenuating to ionizing radiation. Generally speaking, the materials listed in Group A are less attenuating ionizing radiation due to the relatively low atomic weight and density. Note that if a pure material is used, the atomic weight and density values may be obtained from Table 1. If a combination of materials (e.g., compound, an alloy, a composite, etc.) are utilized, the atomic weight and density values may be estimated by taking into account the ratio of each material used, in addition to the cross-sectional geometry and area occupied by the respective materials.

[0022] With this in mind, the region 14aless attenuating to ionizing radiation may have an atomic number of less than 22, preferably less than 15, and more preferably less than 7. Similarly, the region less attenuating to ionizing radiation may have an atomic weight 15 of less than 47, preferably less than 29, and most preferably less than 13. Similarly, the region 14aless attenuating to ionizing radiation may have a density of less than 4.5 g/cm³, preferably less than 2.3 g/cm³, and more preferably less than 2.0 g/cm³.

[0023] Generally, low energy gamma radiation is most sensitive to the atomic weight of the selected material, high energy gamma radiation is most sensitive to the density of the selected material, and beta radiation is most sensitive to both the atomic weight and density of the selected material. With this in mind, the selection of material for region 14amay be based on the particular radioisotope to be used. If a low energy gamma ionizing radiation source is to be used, a low atomic weight material from Group A may be utilized for the proximal end portion 14a. If a high energy gamma ionizing radiation source is to be used, a low density material selected from Group A may be used. If a beta ionizing radiation source is to be used, a low atomic weight and low density material may be selected from Group A for the core member 18.

[0024] The core member 16 of the proximal region 12 and the core member 22 of the spring tip 20 may be formed of conventional materials such as those listed in Group B of Table 1. Similarly, the coil 24 of spring tip 20 may be formed of conventional materials such as those listed in Group C of Table 1. The materials identified in Group A are relatively less attenuating to ionizing radiation than the materials of Groups B and C. The materials identified in Group C are relatively more radiopaque than the materials of Groups A and B.

[0025] As can be appreciated from the data contained in Table 1, the material or materials used for the core member 18 of the proximal end portion 14aare less attenuating to ionizing radiation than the materials used for the distal end portion 14band the proximal region 12, by virtue of the relatively lower atomic number, atomic weight and density. Thus, the lower atomic number, atomic weight and density of the materials listed in Group A of Table 1 render the proximal end portion 14aless attenuating to ionizing radiation than both the distal end portion 14band the proximal region 12. If a low energy gamma ionizing radiation source is to be used, a low atomic weight from Group A may be utilized for the proximal end portion 14a. If a high energy gamma ionizing radiation source is to be used, a low density material selected from Group A may be used. If a beta ionizing radiation source is to be used, a low atomic weight and low density material may be selected from Group A for the core member 18.

[0026] Refer now to FIGS. 2 and 3 which illustrate longitudinal cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of low attenuation guide wire in accordance with the present invention. All aspects of guide wires 40 and 50 are the same in form and function as guide wire 10 except as specifically described herein. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3 are intended to demonstrate alternative means by which the various components comprising the proximal region 12 and the distal region 14 may be interconnected. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements of components and other means for connecting the various components may be utilized without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

[0027] With specific reference to FIG. 2, guide wire 40 includes a proximal region 12 and a distal region 14. The distal region 14 includes a proximal end portion 14aand a distal end portion 14b. The proximal end portion 12 includes a core member 16. The proximal end portion 14aof the distal region 14 includes a core member 18. The distal end portion 14bof the distal region 14 includes a spring tip 20 having a core member 22 and a spring member 24.

[0028] Rather than using a polymeric sleeve 26 as described with reference to guide wire 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, guide wire 40 utilizes a mandrel 42 as a backbone that increases the integrity of the connections between the core members 16, 18 and 22. Core member 18 may be formed with a central bore to allow the mandrel 42 to pass therethrough. The distal end of core member 16 and the proximal end of core member 22 may include a bore extending partially therein to accommodate the proximal and distal ends of the mandrel 42. Mandrel 42 may be formed of a material selected from Group A of Table 1, so as to maintain low attenuation of the proximal end portion.

[0029] With this arrangement, the guide wire 40 may be assembled by rigidly connecting the proximal end of mandrel 42 inside the bore of the distal end of core member 16. Core member 18 may then be slid over mandrel 42 until the proximal end of core member 18 is disposed adjacent the distal end of core member 16. The core member 22 may then be rigidly connected to the protruding distal end of mandrel 42. Connection of the mandrel 42 to the core members 16 and 22 may be accomplished using conventional methods such as adhesive bonds, solder joints, crimping, swaging and the like. When assembled, the mandrel 42 serves as a backbone to interconnect or increase the integrity of the connections between the core members 16, 18, and 22.

[0030] With specific reference now to FIG. 3, guide wire 50 includes a proximal region 12 and a distal region 14 including a proximal end portion 14aand a distal end portion 14b. Guide wire 50 differs from guide wire 10 in that the proximal end portion 14aincludes a tube 52 and a filler material 54, tube 52 may comprise a material selected from Group A of Table 1, tube 52 may be connected to the distal end of core member 16 and the proximal end of core member 22 utilizing a suitable connection means 56 such as an adhesive or a solder joint, depending on the compatibility of the materials. The proximal end portion 14aobtains its structural integrity from either tube 52 or filler material 54, depending on the material selected for tube 52. If tube 52 comprises a relatively stiff material such as a metal, the filler material 54 may comprise a polymer or other flexible material to reduce the tendency of the tube 52 to kink. Alternatively, if tube 52 comprises a relatively soft and pliable material such as a reinforced polymer, filler material 54 may comprises a relatively stiff material to add to the overall stiffness of the proximal end portion 14a.

[0031] In use, guide wires 10, 40 and 50 may be used in substantially the same fashion. When used in combination with a delivery device and radiation source wire as disclosed in European Patent Application No. 688 580 A1 to Verin et al. or as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,171 to Bradshaw et al., the guide wire 10/40/50 may be advanced prior to or simultaneously with the centering catheter. The guide wire 10/40/50 and the centering balloon catheter may be navigated through the vasculature using conventional fluoroscopic and radiographic techniques. Once the centering balloon is positioned adjacent the target site inside the vessel, the radiation source wire may be advanced into the treatment channel of the centering catheter until the radioactive distal end of the source wire is adjacent the target site. The proximal end portion 14aof the guide wire 10/40/50 is positioned adjacent the radioactive material disposed on the source wire such that the guide wire 10/40/50 does not significantly attenuate ionizing radiation emitted therefrom. Unlike the guide wires disclosed in Verin et al. and Bradshaw et al., the guide wire 10/40/50 of the present invention need not be retracted in a proximal direction in order to avoid blocking the radiation emitted by the source wire. Thus, the vessel wall is uniformly exposed to ionizing radiation.

[0032] From the foregoing, it is apparent that the guide wire 10/40/50 of the present invention is a significant improvement over conventional guide wires for use in intravascular ionizing radiation therapeutic procedures. The guide wire 10/40/50 includes a proximal region and a distal region, wherein the distal region is less attenuating to ionizing radiation than the proximal region. The distal region of the guide wire may remain disposed adjacent the distal ionizing radiation emitting portion of the source wire without significantly compromising the emission of radiation or the absorption of radiation by the vessel wall. Thus, the guide wire 10/40/50 does not need to be removed or retracted in order to effectively and uniformly deliver ionizing radiation to the vascular target site.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodiments described and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departures in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as described in the appended claims.