Stimulation for delivery of molecular therapy
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MEDTRONIC INC
- Publication Date
- 2005-05-05
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
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Abstract
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention provides a novel stimulatory device for the controlled production of angiogenic growth factors. More specifically, the present invention provides a subthreshold pulse generator for the local production of vascular endothelial growth factor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Coronary artery disease (CAD) results from arteriosclerosis of blood vessels serving the heart. Arteriosclerosis is a hardening and narrowing of the arteries. Often the arteries of the heart can suddenly become so severely blocked that there is inadequate blood supply to areas of the heart, leading to the occurrence of a myocardial infarction. The area of damage where the reduced blood flow has occurred is called the ischemic area. The ischemic area of the heart, because it does not get adequate blood flow, is starved of oxygen and nutrients. This blockage, if not treated quickly, can lead to severe tissue damage. Often surgical procedures are used to graft new...