Methods and kits for the inhibition of hyperplasia in vascular fistulas and grafts

A method for inhibiting hyperplasia at an anastomotic junction of a vascular fistula or graft in a blood vessel, said method comprising:

• exposing the anastomotic junction to vibrational energy at a mechanical index and for a time sufficient to inhibit hyperplasia resulting from excessive cell proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the neointimal layer of the blood vessel, wherein the junction is exposed to the energy prior to the formation of thrombosis.

A method for inhibiting hyperplasia at an anastomotic junction of a vascular fistula or graft in a blood vessel, said method comprising:

• exposing the anastomotic junction to vibrational energy at a mechanical index and for a time sufficient to inhibit hyperplasia resulting from excessive cell proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the neointimal layer of the blood vessel, wherein the vibrational energy is applied under conditions which produce no cavitation within smooth muscle cells of the blood vessel.

A method for inhibiting hyperplasia at an anastomotic junction of a vascular fistula or graft in a blood vessel, said method comprising:

• exposing the anastomotic junction to vibrational energy at a mechanical index and for a time sufficient to inhibit hyperplasia resulting from excessive cell proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the neointimal layer of the blood vessel, wherein the junction is exposed to the vibrational energy in the absence of a thrombolytic agent and/or an echo contrast agent.

A method for recanalizing an anastomotic junction which has been at least partially occluded as a result of thrombosis, said method comprising:

• performing angioplasty or atherectomy to remove the thrombosis from the anastomotic junction;
• and
• exposing the anastomotic junction- from which the thrombosis has been removed to vibrational energy at a mechanical index and for a time sufficient to inhibit hyperplasia resulting from excessive cell proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the neointimal layer of the blood vessel.

A kit comprising:

• a catheter having a vibrational interface surface;
• and
• instructions for use of the catheter setting forth a method comprising introducing the catheter so that a transducer on the catheter is positioned intravascularly at an anastomotic junction in a lumen of a graft or adjacent blood vessel and energizing the transducer to deliver vibratory energy to the junction at a mechanical index and for an amount of time sufficient to inhibit hyperplasia.

A kit comprising:

• a vibrational transducer;
• and
• instructions for use of the transducer setting forth a method comprising creating a surgical incision and contacting an exterior surface of an anastomotic junction with a probe having a vibrational transducer through the incision and energizing the transducer to deliver vibrational energy at a mechanical index and for an amount of time sufficient to inhibit hyperplasia.

A kit comprising:

• a vibrational transducer;
• and
• instructions for use of the transducer setting forth a method comprising contacting a skin location over an anastomotic junction with the vibrational transducer and energizing the vibrational transducer to expose the anastomotic junction to vibrational energy at a mechanical index and an amount of time sufficient to inhibit hyperplasia resulting from excessive cell proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the neointimal layer of the blood vessel.