Abstract: A system and method is provided for treating a mitral valve. The method preferably includes advancing a guide catheter to an ostium of the coronary sinus and advancing a delivery catheter containing a medical implant through the guide catheter and into the coronary sinus. The delivery catheter has an inner member on which the medical implant is held and an outer sheath which is retractable for deploying and releasing the medical implant. In one embodiment, the medical implant has proximal and distal anchors and a bridge containing resorbable material. The inner member may have a flexible sleeve for gripping and holding a portion of the outer sheath, thereby providing a releasable attachment mechanism. In another embodiment, the inner member may include an inflatable balloon having a tapered distal region which extends from the outer sheath for providing an atraumatic tip. The inflatable balloon may also be used to expand the medical implant and to grip the outer sheath.

Abstract: There is provided a medical device adapted for insertion into a human or animal body, characterised in that its exterior surface is coated with (1) an inner first layer of a biocompatible carrier comprising a sulphated glycosaminoglycan and providing sustained release of a biologically active agent dissolved or dispersed therein; (2) an outer second layer consisting of a film of the biologically active agent applied on the inner first layer, where the film optionally may contain at least one non-polymeric adjuvant, diluent or carrier. The present medical device is especially well suited for treatment or prevention of restenosis and disorders related thereto, and the sulphated glycosaminoglycan provides improved biocompatibility.

Abstract: There is provided a medical device adapted for insertion into a human or animal body, characterised in that its exterior surface is coated with i) an inner first layer of a biocompatible carrier providing sustained release of a biologically active agent dissolved or dispersed therein; ii) an outer second layer consisting of a film of said biologically active agent applied on said inner first layer, where said film optionally may contain at least one non-polymeric adjuvant, diluent or carrier. The present medical device is especially well suited for treatment or prevention of restenosis and disorders related thereto.