Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving blood flow to an ischemic region (e.g., myocardial ischemia) a patient is provided. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned proximate to the ischemic region. Ultrasonic energy is applied at a frequency at or above 1 MHz to create one or more thermal lesions in the ischemic region of the myocardium. The thermal lesions can have a gradient of sizes. The ultrasound transducer can have a curved shape so that ultrasound energy emitted by the transducer converges to a site within the myocardium, to create a thermal lesion without injuring the epicardium or endocardium.

Abstract: A device that includes an electrical output channel adapted to deliver a sub-threshold voltage, a lead that includes a proximal end adapted to be electrically connected to the electrical output channel and a distal end adapted to be placed in the blood conduit where the distal end of the lead is adapted to deliver a treatment agent that stimulates therapeutic angiogenesis, and at least one electrode on the distal end of the first lead.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: A method including positioning a catheter at a location in a blood vessel; imaging a thickness of a portion of a wall of the blood vessel at the location; identifying a treatment site; advancing a needle a distance into the wall of the blood vessel to the treatment site; and introducing a treatment agent through the needle to the treatment site. A composition including an inflammation-inducing agent and a carrier in the form of microspheres having a particle size suitable for transvascular delivery. A composition including a therapeutic angiogenesis promoter in a carrier and an opsonin-inhibitor coupled to the carrier. An apparatus for delivery of a therapeutic angiogenesis promoter.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: An ethylene vinyl alcohol coating for an implantable device or prosthesis, such as a stent, is provided. Compositions are also provided for coating the implantable device. The compositions can include an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer added to an iso-propyl alcohol (IPA)/water solvent. Active agents, such as actinomycin D, can be included in the composition to be carried by the copolymer matrix.

Abstract: A composition, comprising actinomycin D, is locally or systemically administered for the treatment of a blood vessel, such as caused by recurring stenosis or restenosis following vascular trauma or disease.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving blood flow to an ischemic region (e.g., myocardial ischemia) a patient is provided. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned proximate to the ischemic region. Ultrasonic energy is applied at a frequency at or above 1 MHz to create one or more thermal lesions in the ischemic region of the myocardium. The thermal lesions can have a gradient of sizes. The ultrasound transducer can have a curved shape so that ultrasound energy emitted by the transducer converges to a site within the myocardium, to create a thermal lesion without injuring the epicardium or endocardium.

Abstract: Stents and a method of using the stents to increase blood flow to ischemic tissues in a patient are disclosed.

Abstract: A method including positioning a catheter at a location in a blood vessel; imaging a thickness of a portion of a wall of the blood vessel at the location; identifying a treatment site; advancing a needle a distance into the wall of the blood vessel to the treatment site; and introducing a treatment agent through the needle to the treatment site. A composition including an inflammation-inducing agent and a carrier in the form of microspheres having a particle size suitable for transvascular delivery. A composition including a therapeutic angiogenesis promoter in a carrier and an opsonin-inhibitor coupled to the carrier. An apparatus for delivery of a therapeutic angiogenesis promoter.

Abstract: An ethylene vinyl alcohol coating for an implantable device or prosthesis, such as a stent, is provided. Compositions are also provided for coating the implantable device. The compositions can include an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer added to an iso-propyl alcohol (IPA)/water solvent. Active agents, such as actinomycin D, can be included in the composition to be carried by the copolymer matrix.

Abstract: A method including positioning a catheter at a location in a blood vessel; imaging a thickness of a portion of a wall of the blood vessel at the location; identifying a treatment site; advancing a needle a distance into the wall of the blood vessel to the treatment site; and introducing a treatment agent through the needle to the treatment site. A composition including an inflammation-inducing agent and a carrier in the form of microspheres having a particle size suitable for transvascular delivery. A composition including a therapeutic angiogenesis promoter in a carrier and an opsonin-inhibitor coupled to the carrier. An apparatus for delivery of a therapeutic angiogenesis promoter.

Abstract: An implantable stent for a vessel includes a tubular body having an inner and outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces are coated with therapeutic substances. The therapeutic substance of the inner surface, such as an angiogenic substance, can be released downstream in the lumen. The therapeutic substance of the outer surface can be applied to the inner surface of the vessel.

Abstract: Brief periods of occlusion of blood flow in an otherwise open target vessel adjacent to vessels supplying blood to an ischemic region are caused by periodic administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a vasoconstrictor. It is anticipated these brief periods of occlusion will induce the enlargement of collateral vessels, causing increased blood flow to the ischemic region.

Abstract: A biocompatible carrier and a composition for forming the carrier are disclosed. The carrier is made from an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer which can serve as a reservoir, allowing for the local delivery and sustained release of actinomycin D. The carrier can be formed from the ethylene vinyl alcohol, copolymer, a dimethylsulfoxide solvent, and actinomycin D. Alternatively, the carrier can be formed from an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, a dimethylsulfoxide solvent, actinornycin D, and a wetting fluid. The carrier can serve as a coating for a prosthesis, for example a stent. The composition is applied to a surface of the prosthesis and essentially all of the dimethylsulfoxide solvent or dimethylsulfoxide solvent/wetting fluid is removed or allowed to evaporate to form the coating.

Abstract: An ethylene vinyl alcohol coating for an implantable device or prosthesis, such as a stent, is provided. Compositions are also provided for coating the implantable device. The compositions can include an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer added to an iso-propyl alcohol (IPA)/water solvent. Active agents, such as actinomycin D, can be included in the composition to be carried by the copolymer matrix.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.