| abstract |
A method and apparatus for the local delivery of therapeutic agents reduces myocardial tissue damage due to ischemia. A local delivery device is used for delivery of the therapeutic agents into a coronary artery which feeds the ischemic reperfused myocardial tissue. According to one example, an implantable medical device for delivering adenosine, agonists thereof, a PDE inhibitor, or combinations thereof locally to myocardial tissue includes a therapeutic dosage of adenosine, agonists thereof, a PDE inhibitor, or combinations thereof in a biocompatible polymer affixed to a stent. The therapeutic dosage of adenosine, agonists thereof, a PDE inhibitor, or combinations thereof is released from the stent at a therapeutic dosage and over an administration period effective to reduce ischemic and reperfusion injury of the myocardial tissue. |