Vulnerable plaque modification methods and apparatuses

A method comprising:

• introducing a catheter comprising an expandable body having a first portion bounded by a second portion and a third portion into a blood vessel comprising a vulnerable plaque lesion, wherein the first portion is introduced at a point coextensive with a vulnerable plaque lesion;
• and
• expanding the second portion and the third portion of the expandable body to a diameter greater than a diameter of the first portion.

A method comprising:

• introducing a catheter comprising an expandable body having a working length into a blood vessel comprising a vulnerable plaque lesion, wherein the expandable body is at a point coextensive with a vulnerable plaque lesion;
• and
• expanding the expandable body to a variable diameter along the working length such that at a point coextensive with the lesion the working length has a smallest diameter.

An apparatus comprising:

• a cannula having a dimension suitable for insertion into a blood vessel and an expandable body coupled thereto, the expandable body comprising a first outer diameter suitable for insertion through the blood vessel and a second outer diameter greater than the first diameter and having a maximum dimension to modify the shape of an inner diameter of the blood vessel and retain a similar perimeter.

A kit comprising:

• a cannula having a dimension suitable for insertion into a blood vessel and comprising an expandable body coupled thereto, the expandable body comprising a first outer diameter suitable for insertion through the blood vessel and a second outer diameter greater than the first diameter and the second diameter has a maximum dimension to modify the shape of an inner diameter of the blood vessel and retain a same perimeter;
• and
• a stent having a diameter suitable for deployment on the expandable body through a blood vessel.

An apparatus comprising:

• an expandable framework having an expanded diameter suitable for placement in a blood vessel and comprising a first end and a second end and a polymeric material disposed between the first end and the second end and defining a lumen therethrough.

An apparatus comprising:

• an expandable body having a diameter suitable for insertion into a blood vessel and capable of being modified from a first folded diameter to a second larger unfolded diameter in response to an inflation pressure less than two atmospheres and, following modification, being non-compliant at an inflation pressure less than two atmospheres.

An apparatus comprising:

• an expandable body having a diameter suitable for insertion into a blood vessel and capable of being modified from a first diameter to a second larger diameter in response to an inflation pressure, wherein the second diameter is less than an inside diameter of the blood vessel and, following modification, being less compliant at an increased inflation pressure.

An apparatus comprising:

• a balloon expandable intralumenal framework comprising a first end and a second end defining a length dimension longer than a length of a vulnerable plaque, the framework comprising axially-oriented anchor portions at the first end and the second end capable of anchoring to a blood vessel and supporting a medial portion between the ends without anchoring the medial portion to the blood vessel.