METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TREATING DISEASED BLOOD VESSELS

摘要

The present invention provides a mechanism by which the physical properties of diseased blood vessel walls can be manipulated to achieve an effective vessel lumen diameter for a prolonged period of time. Cathether(10) has an elongated body(12) for insertion into a diseased blood vessel(100). Mounted on the elongate body(12) is an expandable balloon(14) having an outer wall(16). The methods and devices of the present invention selectively isolate and treat the medical or adventitial layers of these diseased blood vessels. The invention is based on the delivery of proteolytic enzymes and crosslinking agents via specialized delivery devices to a select layer of the diseased blood vessel wall. By isolating and treating these layers of the artery, collagen degrading and collagen crosslinking agents can be delivered so as to affect the diameter of the blood vessels and control blood flow therein.