Intravascular apparatus method
US6569688B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2300/416
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Intravascular apparatus and method for locally treating a patient's blood vessel, are provided. The apparatus includes an implanted carrier (2) for insertion into the vessel; and a biologically active agent (8) immobilized to the carrier (2), said biologically active agent (8) reacting with a first substance to produce a second substance. The second substance is preferably a therapeutic agent, such as nitric oxide, for locally treating the vessel. The biologically active agent (8) is preferably an enzyme such as nitrogen oxide synthase, and the first substance is preferably arginine introduced to the patient's body as part of a diet. According to another embodiment, the biologically active agent (8) is a catalytic antibody and the first substance is a prodrug. Alternatively, the biologically active agent (8) is a ribozyme. The method includes introducing into a patient's vessel an implantable carrier including a biologically active agent immobilized thereto, and reacting the biologically active agent with a first substance to locally produce a second substance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.