A new approach for local intravascular drug delivery. Iontophoretic balloon.

Abstract

(1) High local concentrations of hirudin in the arterial wall may be achieved with the iontophoretic balloon catheter. (2) The drug is distributed throughout the entire vessel wall without significant damage. (3) The retention of hirudin in the arterial wall is time dependent. (4) This technique might be useful to deliver therapeutic agents before or after percutaneous vascular interventions.