| abstract |
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for vascular stenosis and vulnerable plaque therapies, including enhancing permeability of the vessel wall using ultrasound energy and delivering a therapeutic agent into the arterial wall. Ultrasound energy may also be delivered at frequencies less than 10 MHz and power less than 20 watts using transcutaneous techniques and endovascular methods. Therapeutic agents may be delivered to the treatment area via intravenous and endovascular methods. In some embodiments, ultrasound energy and therapeutic agent application may be combined with angioplasty techniques and with blood flow protection devices. In some other embodiments, a therapeutic agent may be removed from the body after exposure to the vessel wall to minimize a systemic effect of the therapeutic drug. |