Methods and compositions to treat myocardial conditions

Abstract

Methods, devices, kits and compositions to treat a myocardial infarction. In one embodiment, the method includes the prevention of remodeling of the infarct zone of the ventricle using a combination of therapies. The method may include the introduction of structurally reinforcing agents. In other embodiments, agents may be introduced into a ventricle to increase compliance of the ventricle. The prevention of remodeling may include the prevention of thinning of the ventricular infarct zone. Another embodiment includes the reversing or prevention of ventricular remodeling with electro-stimulatory therapy. The unloading of the stressed myocardium over time effects reversal of undesirable ventricular remodeling. These therapies may be combined with structurally reinforcing therapies. In other embodiments, the structurally reinforcing component may be accompanied by other therapeutic agents. These agents may include but are not limited to pro-fibroblastic and angiogenic agents.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 938,752, filed Nov. 12, 2007, U.S. Pat. No. 8,795,652, which application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 802,955, filed Mar. 16, 2004, U.S. Pat. No. 7,294,334, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 414,602, filed Apr. 15, 2003, U.S. Pat. No. 8,383,158.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The treatment of myocardial infarction, and more particularly, in one embodiment, to the reinforcement of the infarct regional wall of a heart chamber using targeted cell delivery and / or the inhibition of the thinning of the infarct regional wall of a heart chamber using cell delivery in combination with other therapies such as electrostimulation. In further embodiments, to combine reinforcement of the infarct regional wall and / or cellular replacement with stimulating the heart using a pulsing and / or pacing device. In addition, this inv...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes methods, devices and compositions for reversing ventricular remodeling after a heart attack. The invention uses electro-stimulatory therapy to pre-excite the infarct region, which reduces mechanical stress and the likelihood of arrhythmias. The patent also describes the use of reinforcement methods to strengthen the infarct region and prevent thinning of the ventricle. Additionally, the patent describes the use of cell therapy and treatment agents to promote cell growth and prevent cell death in the infarct region. The invention helps to improve heart function and recovery after a heart attack.

Problems solved by technology

Ischemic heart disease typically results from an imbalance between the myocardial blood flow and the metabolic demand of the myocardium.

It is a major cause of sudden death in adults.

Thus, the flow of blood is blocked and downstream cellular damage occurs.

This damage can cause irregular rhythms that can be fatal, even though the remaining muscle is strong enough to pump a sufficient amount of blood.

Even though relatively effective systemic drugs exist to treat MI such as ACE-inhibitors and Beta-blockers, a significant portion of the population that experiences a major MI ultimately develops heart failure.

In other areas, remote regions experience hypertrophy (thickening) resulting in an overall enlargement of the left ventricle.

These changes also correlate with physiological changes that result in increase in blood pressure and worsening systolic and diastolic performance.

Fat and cholesterol build up at the site of damage.

Thus the T-cells, platelets, fibrin and multiple other factors and cells are blocked from progression through the blood stream and the result is an inadequate vascular supply as seen.

This leads to myocyte death.

Myocyte death, in addition to fibrosis in the form of collagen deposition, can lead to a compromised left ventricle and overload on the remaining myocytes.

This process is further complicated by compensation of the remaining myocytes that hypertrophy (enlarge).

This can cause the left ventricle to enlarge and if the cycle continues can result in eventual heart failure.

This damage may include extensions into the right ventricular wall.

This ultimately leads to fibrosis and a scar is formed by about 7 weeks post MI.

Thus, the obstructed artery may lead to damage observed in a ventricle of an MI subject.

A complication of an MI is an aneurysm that looks like a bulge in the left ventricular wall.

Additionally, parts of this mass can form a mural thrombus that can break off and embolize to the systemic circulation.

The E type prostaglandin, a powerful dilator of blood vessels, has been found in animal experiments to reduce high blood pressure—another cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Reducing the wall stress of the infarct region also decreases the probability of an arrhythmia arising from the region.

Images