Methods and devices for reducing the mineral content of a region of non-intimal vascular tissue

Abstract

Methods and devices for reducing the mineral content of a region of non-intimal vascular tissue are provided. In the subject methods, an isolated local environment that includes the region to be demineralized is produced. The pH of the local environment is then reduced to a subphysiologic level, e.g. by flushing with an acidic dissolution fluid, for a period of time sufficient for the mineral content of the region to be reduced. The devices of the subject invention are characterized by comprising a means for producing an isolated local environment that includes a non-intimal region of vascular tissue. Also provided are kits for practicing the subject methods.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
     
     
         17 . A device for use in reducing the mineral content of a region of non-intimal vascular tissue, said device comprising: 
 a means for producing an isolated local environment in situ comprising a region of non-intimal vascular tissue.    
     
     
         18 . The device according to  claim 17 , wherein the volume of said local environment ranges from about 1 to 100 ml.  
     
     
         19 . The device according to  claim 17 , wherein said means comprises a cup shaped element.  
     
     
         20 . The device according to  claim 17 , wherein said means is capable of enclosing a region of a vessel.  
     
     
         21 . The device according to  claim 17 , wherein said device further comprises a means for flushing said local environment with an acidic dissolution fluid.  
     
     
         22 . A system for flushing a non-intimal region of vascular tissue with an acidic dissolution fluid, said system comprising: 
 (a) a means for producing a local environment comprising said region, wherein said means includes a means for flushing said local environment with said acidic dissolution fluid;    (b) a source of acidic dissolution fluid in fluid communication with said means for producing a local environment comprising said region.    
     
     
         23 . A kit for at least reducing the mineral content of a region of non-intimal vascular tissue, said kit comprising: 
 an acidic dissolution fluid; and    instructions for performing the method according to claim  1 .    
     
     
         24 . The kit according to  claim 23 , wherein said kit further comprises a means for producing a local environment comprising a region of non-intimal vascular tissue.