Efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin delivery with the Dispatch catheter following balloon angioplasty in the rabbit iliac artery

Local drug delivery can be achieved with active injection systems or passive contact of a compound with the arterial wall. The Dispatch catheter allows for passive diffusion of drugs from drug compartments while preserving blood flow through the central conduit. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a reduction in neointima formation can be achieved by local delivery of a limited amount of a highly concentrated solution of the low-molecular-weight heparin Reviparin. In 16 New Zealand white rabbits, successful balloon dilatation was performed in both iliac arteries, followed by local delivery of 4 ml Reviparin (1,000 IU/ml). The arteries were harvested at 7, 28, or 56 d following the procedure. The intimal cell layers increased substantially between 7 and 28 d following balloon dilatation with or without local drug delivery. The medial cell layers showed only a little increase. Proliferation of smooth muscle cells reached an early peak after 7 d, with a significantly higher proliferation index following local delivery. The maximum amount of macrophages in the intima and media was detected after 28 d. The lumen area decreased with time and was 0.6 +/- 0.7 mm2 in the local delivery group at 56 d compared with 0.5 +/- 0.5 mm2 in the control group. In conclusion, local delivery of Reviparin with the Dispatch catheter is safe and feasible. However, the infusion of highly concentrated low-molecular-weight heparin over a short period of time did not result in a reduction of neointima formation and restenosis following balloon dilatation in the rabbit iliac artery.