Prevention of infarct expansion

Abstract

Provided are methods and kits for safe and effective therapy that can be administered early after a heart attack in order to prevent progressive heart dilatation and resultant loss of function. The therapy includes the administration of particulate compositions to a region comprising an infarct or a portion thereof.

1 .- 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A kit for use in the stabilization of cardiac infarct tissue comprising:
 a composition comprising a biologically compatible, acellular material comprising particles having characteristic dimensions of 25 μm to about 50 μm; and,   an injection tool capable of delivering said composition directly into a cardiac infarct itself, and optionally into a region of tissue containing the infarct, into tissue adjacent to or partially or completely surrounding the infarct, or both within a living patient.   
     
     
         18 . The kit according to  claim 17  wherein said material comprises microparticles of one or more forms of calcium phosphate. 
     
     
         19 . The kit according to  claim 17  wherein said composition comprises a suspension of said microparticles in an aqueous carrier. 
     
     
         20 . The kit according to  claim 17  wherein said injection tool comprises a catheter. 
     
     
         21 . The kit according to  claim 17  wherein said composition is provided in one or more premeasured aliquots. 
     
     
         22 .- 25 . (canceled)