METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INHIBITING VASCULAR INFLAMMATION

摘要

Methods and kits for delivering pharmaceutical agents to the adventitia and other regions outside the external elastic lamina (EEL) surrounding a blood vessel utilize a catheter having a needle. The needle is positioned in up to 5 mm beyond the EEL and delivers an amount of pharmaceutical agent sufficient to circumferentially permeate around the blood vessel and, in many cases, extend longitudinally and radially along the blood vessel. Confirmation that a delivery aperture of the needle lies beyond the EEL may be required before delivering the pharmaceutical agent. In one example, the catheters are used to deliver dexamethasone and other anti-inflammatory agents to the peripheral and other vasculature to treat peripheral vascular disease and other conditions.

主权项

1. A method for inhibiting inflammation in a patient's vasculature, said method comprising:
identifying a patient at risk of or suffering from vascular inflammation; positioning a catheter within a lumen of a blood vessel of the patient; advancing a needle radially outwardly from the catheter through the blood vessel wall and into adventitial tissue surrounding the blood vessel; delivering an anti-inflammatory agent into the adventitial and perivascular tissue in an amount sufficient to inhibit inflammation of the blood vessel.