Polymeric endoluminal gel paving: Hydrogel systems for local barrier creation and site-specific drug delivery

New methods of catheter-based percutaneous revascularization have had a significant impact on the current clinical practice of cardiology, interventional radiology and cardiovascular and peripheral vascular surgery. Despite the acute success of these approaches, their long-term efficacy remains limited by restenosis. Our groups have explored the potential therapeutic benefit of utilizing biodegradable and bioerodible polymers as vehicles for local biomanipulation of the arterial wall. We have utilized an approach termed 'gel paving' to both provide a barrier immediately following angioplasty and intermediate-term local drug delivery. Gel paving is a technique in evolution that is a member of a broad family of paving approaches. It offers the promise of short- and long-term local arterial biomanipulation for therapeutic benefit.