Electrically induced vessel vasodilation

Abstract

The invention provides methods for inducing or increasing the vasodilation of a vessel. The invention further provides methods for inducing or increasing the flow of fluid through a vessel. An electrical impulse is applied to the vessel in order to induce or increase vessel vasodilation or to induce or increase the flow of fluid through the vessel. In a particular embodiment, a novel double-balloon catheter system incorporating electroporation technology has been designed and is used to apply the electrical impulse endoluminally.

1 . A method for inducing or increasing vasodilation of a vessel in a subject comprising applying an electrical impulse to the vessel, wherein the impulse is of sufficient strength and duration to induce or increase vasodilation of the vessel, thereby inducing or increasing vasodilation of the vessel.  
   
   
       2 . A method for inducing or increasing the flow of fluid through a vessel in a subject comprising applying an electrical impulse to the vessel, wherein the impulse is of sufficient strength and duration to induce or increase the flow of fluid through the vessel, thereby inducing or increasing the flow of fluid through the vessel.  
   
   
       3 . The method of claims  1  or  2 , further comprising denuding the endothelial lining of the vessel prior to, simultaneously with or after applying said electrical impulse.  
   
   
       4 . The method of claims  1  or  2 , wherein said electrical impulse is applied with a catheter apparatus.  
   
   
       5 . The method of claims  1  or  2 , wherein multiple electrical impulses are applied.  
   
   
       6 . The method of claims  1  or  2 , wherein said electrical impulse applied is from about 50 to 90 volts per 1.5 mm.  
   
   
       7 . The method of claims  1  or  2 , wherein said duration is from about 0.5 ms to 10 ms.  
   
   
       8 . The method of claims  1  or  2 , wherein said electrical impulse is applied via electroporation.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising administering a composition to the vessel in the subject prior to, simultaneously with or after the application of said electrical impulse.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said composition is administered locally or systemically.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said composition is delivered into the tunica media of the vessel.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said composition is delivered into the tunica adventitia of the vessel.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said composition inhibits cell proliferation.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said cell proliferation leads to intimal thickening or hyperplasia.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said composition is selected from the group consisting of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, colchicine, somatostatin analog and serotonin antagonist.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said composition inhibits platelet adhesion or aggregation, PDGF action, or matrix synthesis.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said composition is selected from the group consisting of a drug, a polynucleotide, a polypeptide and a chemotherapeutic agent.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said composition is selected from the group consisting of heparin, low molecular weight heparin and hirudin.  
   
   
       19 . A method for inducing or increasing vasodilation of a vessel in a subject comprising: 
 applying an electrical impulse to the vessel using an apparatus having: 
 a catheter having at least one inflatable balloon portion;  
 a first electrode;  
 a second electrode positioned with respect to the first electrode and the subject such that an electric field sufficient to induce or increase vasodilation of the vessel is generated by the electrical impulse, wherein application of the electrical impulse induces or increases vasodilation of the vessel.  
   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said catheter apparatus has at least one infusion passage for administering a composition into a vessel of the subject.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said electrodes are positioned within the vessel.