Methods and kits for use in preventing restenosis

Abstract

Kits and methods for their use are provided for at least inhibiting the progression of, if not preventing, restenosis in a host. In the subject methods, a vascular site is contacted, usually flushed, with a solution having a pH that is less than about 4, e.g. a hydrochloric acid. The subject kits methods find use in applications where the prevention of restenosis is desirable, including angioplasty applications, and may be used in combination with other treatment modalities, e.g. stents, and the like.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A kit for use in at least inhibiting the progression of restenosis at a vascular site of a host, said kit comprising: 
 a solution having a subphysiologic pH; and    a means for delivering said solution to a vascular site of a host.    
     
     
         2 . The kit according to    claim 1   , wherein said solution is an inorganic acid solution.  
     
     
         3 . The kit according to    claim 2   , wherein said inorganic acid solution is a hydrochloric acid solution.  
     
     
         4 . The kit according to    claim 2   , wherein said inorganic acid solution further includes a salt.  
     
     
         5 . The kit according to    claim 4   , wherein said salt is NaCl.  
     
     
         6 . The kit according to    claim 1   , wherein said means for delivering said solution is a means for flushing said vascular site with said solution.  
     
     
         7 . The kit according to    claim 6   , wherein said means is a catheter.  
     
     
         8 . A kit for use in at least inhibiting the progression of restenosis at a vascular site of a host, said kit comprising: 
 a solution having a pH of less than about  4 ; and    a means for delivering said solution to a vascular site of a host.    
     
     
         9 . The kit according to    claim 8   , wherein said solution is an inorganic acid solution.  
     
     
         10 . The kit according to    claim 9   , wherein said inorganic acid solution is a hydrochloric acid solution.  
     
     
         11 . The kit according to    claim 9   , wherein said inorganic acid solution further includes a salt.  
     
     
         12 . The kit according to    claim 11   , wherein said salt is NaCl.  
     
     
         13 . The kit according to    claim 8   , wherein said means for delivering said solution is a means for flushing said vascular site with said solution.  
     
     
         14 . The kit according to    claim 8   , wherein said means is a catheter.  
     
     
         15 . A kit for use in at least inhibiting the progression of restenosis at a vascular site of a host, said kit comprising: 
 a solution having a pH of less than about  2 ; and    a means for delivering said solution to a vascular site of a host.    
     
     
         16 . The kit according to    claim 15   , wherein said solution is an inorganic acid solution.  
     
     
         17 . The kit according to    claim 16   , wherein said inorganic acid solution is a hydrochloric acid solution.  
     
     
         18 . The kit according to    claim 16   , wherein said inorganic acid solution further includes a salt.  
     
     
         19 . The kit according to    claim 18   , wherein said salt is NaCl.  
     
     
         20 . The kit according to    claim 15   , wherein said means for delivering said solution is a catheter means for flushing said vascular site with said solution.