Methods and Devices for Delivering Therapeutic Agents to Target Vessels

Abstract

Methods of preparing devices for delivering at least one therapeutic agent to a target vessel in a mammal, the devices prepared by such methods, and uses of such devices for delivering a therapeutic agent, such as an antiproliferative agent, to a target vessel.

1 . A method of delivering at least one therapeutic agent to a target vessel in a mammal, comprising contacting an outer surface of the target vessel with a device comprising a polymer and said at least one antiproliferative agent. 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the device is a sheet. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the contacting step comprises positioning at least a portion of said sheet proximate at least a portion of the target vessel. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the contacting step comprises wrapping the target vessel or a portion thereof perivascularly with said sheet. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the device comprises about 0.001 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of the at least one antiproliferative agent. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the polymer is degradable. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the polymer is non-degradable. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said sheet is formed by casting a mixture of said polymer and said therapeutic agent. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said sheet has a thickness of about 10 μm to about 1000 μm. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the polymer has a melting temperature above 37° C. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the device is a molten mass comprising said polymer and said at least one therapeutic agent. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , comprising the step of permitting the molten mass to conform to the outside of the target vessel. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , comprising the step of permitting the molten mass to cool and congeal while in contact with the outside of the target vessel. 
   
   
       14 . A method of treating restenosis by delivering at least one antiproliferative agent extravascularly to a target vessel by contacting an outer surface of the target vessel with a device comprising a polymer and said at least one antiproliferative agent.