Methods for inhibiting or suppressing stenosis of arteriovenous access fistulas and grafts
AssigneeMiravant Medical Technologies, Inc.
InventorsW. Patrick Stephens, Steven John Rychnovsky, Jeffrey P. Walker, Heidi Nielsen, Christina Ann Waters, John S. Hill
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Abstract
A method for inhibiting or suppressing stenosis associated with an arteriovenous access. A dosage of photosensitive compound is introduced into the artery or vein. An anastomotic area of the artery or vein is then exposed to a source of light having a wavelength suitable for photoactivating the photosensitive compound for a period of time sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect. A method is also described for the delivery of drugs into the anastomotic site of an AV access to inhibit the formation of stenotic lesions at those sites.
Claims18
A method for inhibiting stenosis associated with an arteriovenous access graft connecting two blood vessels, wherein the two blood vessels each have an anastomotic area, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) contacting at least one of the two blood vessels with a photosensitive compound;
- (b) implanting the graft;
- and
- (c) exposing target tissue comprising the anastomotic area of the contacted blood vessel to a source of light having a wavelength suitable for photoactivating the photosensitive compound for a period of time sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect.
A method for inhibiting stenosis associated with an arteriovenous access graft connecting an artery and a vein, wherein the method is performed at the time of implantation of a graft material which will connect the artery and the vein, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) isolating from circulation a portion of the vein to which the graft material will be attached;
- (b) introducing a dosage of photosensitive compound into the isolated portion of the vein;
- (c) endolumenally incubating the photosensitive compound for a sufficient period of time to allow the compound to diffuse into tissue of the vein;
- (d) attaching the graft material to the isolated portion of the vein, thereby forming an anastomosis having an associated anastomotic area;
- (e) placing a shield underneath the vein to protect surrounding tissue;
- and
- (f) inserting a light-diffusing balloon catheter into the vein and exposing target tissue comprising the anastomotic area to light having a wavelength suitable for photoactivating the photosensitive compound for a period of time sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect.
A method for inhibiting stenosis associated with an arteriovenous access graft connecting an artery and a vein, wherein the method is performed at the time of implantation of a graft material which will connect the artery and the vein, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) contacting the vein with a photosensitive compound;
- (b) allowing sufficient time to permit uptake of the photosensitive compound into the vein;
- (c) attaching the graft material to the vein, thereby forming an anastomosis having an associated anastomotic area;
- and
- (d) exposing the anastomotic area to a source of light having a wavelength suitable for photoactivating the photosensitive compound for a period of time sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.