Method of inhibiting restenosis by applying ultrasonic energy

Abstract

A method and system for inhibiting restenosis by compromising the migration, viability and adhesion of mammalian smooth muscle cells (SMC) is disclosed. The method comprises irradiating the SMC with ultrasonic energy, in an amount which has been found to be effective in inhibiting the migration and adherence of SMC. This method is especially useful in the prevention of restenosis in a blood vessel of a mammal associated with the migration of SMC in the blood vessel following vascular intervention, such as angioplasty. The system disclosed for the prevention of restenosis in a blood vessel of a mammal associated with the migration of SMC in the blood vessel following vascular intervention includes an ultrasonic energy source; a transmitter for transmitting the ultrasonic energy to the blood vessel; and a control unit.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.