AUGMENTATION OF INTRALUMINAL MICROVESSEL FORMATION TO FACILITATE GUIDE WIRE CROSSING IN CHRONIC TOTAL OCCLUSIONS

摘要

Method of preparing a clogged animal vessel, e.g. chronic total occlusion of an artery so as to be capable of crossing by a guidewire of an intraluminal device, e.g., angioplasty balloon. The method includes delivering an angiogenic agent to the occlusion site to promote angiogenesis within the occlusion to increases susceptibility to crossing.