Implants and associated delivery systems for promoting
angiogenesis in ischemic tissue are provided. The implants may be delivered percutaneously, thoracically or surgically and are particularly well suited for implantation into the myocardium of the heart. The implants are configured to have a first configuration having a low profile and an expanded, second configuration having a large profile. The implants are delivered to the ischemic tissue location in the first configuration, implanted then expanded to the second configuration. The expanded implants maintain a stress on the surrounding tissue, irritating and slightly injuring the tissue to provoke an injury response that results in
angiogenesis. The flow of blood from the surrounding tissue into the
implant and
pooling of the blood in and around the
implant leads to
thrombosis and
fibrin growth. This healing process leads to
angiogenesis in the tissue surrounding the
implant. Additionally, the implants may contain an angiogenic substance or a
thrombus of blood, preloaded or injected after implantation to aid in initiating angiogenesis.