Abstract: A guidewire with a sensor which can detect NO and/or superoxide levels is disclosed. This invention can be useful for in vivo analysis of vascular health.

Abstract: A method of treating vulnerable plaque comprising intentionally damaging or rupturing the vulnerable plaque using a wingless balloon which is inflated from a wingless unexpanded diameter to a limited expanded diameter. This process produces significant increase in ECM synthesis at the site of the damage or rupture. As a result, the method strengthens the vulnerable plaque while minimizing or avoiding damage to the surrounding wall of the body lumen or damaging a stable plaque mistakenly believed to be a vulnerable plaque. The method of the invention is particularly useful in treating a fibroatheroma type of vulnerable plaque. In one embodiment, the balloon is self-limiting such that it expands compliantly at initial inflation pressures, and above nominal pressure it expands noncompliantly. In an alternative embodiment, the balloon is inflated using a diameter-limiting device, such as a device which limits the inflation pressure or the volume of inflation fluid in the balloon.

Abstract: A method of treating vulnerable plaque comprising intentionally damaging or rupturing the vulnerable plaque using a wingless balloon which is inflated from a wingless unexpanded diameter to a limited expanded diameter. This process produces significant increase in ECM synthesis at the site of the damage or rupture. As a result, the method strengthens the vulnerable plaque while minimizing or avoiding damage to the surrounding wall of the body lumen or damaging a stable plaque mistakenly believed to be a vulnerable plaque. The method of the invention is particularly useful in treating a fibroatheroma type of vulnerable plaque. In one embodiment, the balloon is self-limiting such that it expands compliantly at initial inflation pressures, and above nominal pressure it expands noncompliantly. In an alternative embodiment, the balloon is inflated using a diameter-limiting device, such as a device which limits the inflation pressure or the volume of inflation fluid in the balloon.

Abstract: A guidewire with a sensor which can detect NO and/or superoxide levels is disclosed. This invention can be useful for in vivo analysis of vascular health.

Abstract: A method of treating vulnerable plaque comprising intentionally damaging or rupturing the vulnerable plaque using a wingless balloon which is inflated from a wingless unexpanded diameter to a limited expanded diameter. This process produces significant increase in ECM synthesis at the site of the damage or rupture. As a result, the method strengthens the vulnerable plaque while minimizing or avoiding damage to the surrounding wall of the body lumen or damaging a stable plaque mistakenly believed to be a vulnerable plaque. The method of the invention is particularly useful in treating a fibroatheroma type of vulnerable plaque. In one embodiment, the balloon is self-limiting such that it expands compliantly at initial inflation pressures, and above nominal pressure it expands noncompliantly. In an alternative embodiment, the balloon is inflated using a diameter-limiting device, such as a device which limits the inflation pressure or the volume of inflation fluid in the balloon.

Abstract: A method of providing a therapeutic, diagnostic or lubricious hydrophilic coating on an intracorporeal medical device and the coated device produced thereby, wherein the coating is durable. In one embodiment, the coating comprises a polymerized base coat and a top coat having a therapeutic, diagnostic or hydrophilic agent, where the base coat has a binding component which binds to the top coat, and a grafting component which binds to the binding component and adheres to the device. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a blend of an agent, a grafting component, and salt. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is superoxide dismutase or a superoxide dismutase mimic. The coating of the invention may be applied to a medical device with a polymeric surface such as a polymeric catheter, or a metal device such as a stent coated with a polymeric primer or without a primer.

Abstract: A method of providing a therapeutic, diagnostic or lubricious hydrophilic coating on an intracorporeal medical device and the coated device produced thereby, wherein the coating is durable. In one embodiment, the coating comprises a polymerized base coat and a top coat having a therapeutic, diagnostic or hydrophilic agent, where the base coat has a binding component which binds to the top coat, and a grafting component which binds to the binding component and adheres to the device. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a blend of an agent, a grafting component, and salt. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is superoxide dismutase or a superoxide dismutase mimic. The coating of the invention may be applied to a medical device with a polymeric surface such as a polymeric catheter, or a metal device such as a stent coated with a polymeric primer or without a primer.