METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING TISSUE DAMAGE AFTER ISCHEMIC INJURY

摘要

A method and apparatus for the local delivery of therapeutic agents reduces myocardial tissue damage due to ischemia. A local delivery device is used for delivery of the therapeutic agents into a coronary artery which feeds the ischemic myocardial tissue. According to one example, an implantable medical device for delivering insulin locally to myocardial tissue includes a therapeutic dosage of insulin in a biocompatible polymer affixed to a stent. The therapeutic dosage of insulin is released from the stent at a therapeutic dosage and over an administration period effective to reduce ischemic injury of the myocardial tissue.