The Mercator MicroSyringe Infusion Catheter™
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Treating Vascular Injury
Mercator MedSystems’ initial products are aimed at the treatment of blood vessel restenosis caused by inflammation after vascular injury. This re-narrowing often occurs after angioplasty or atherectomy, and is typically caused by inflammatory tissue buildup known as neointimal hyperplasia. This condition is a complication of all forms of blood vessel reconstruction. In response to vascular insult, an inflammatory cascade ensues in which proteins are secreted, cells are recruited to the area and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation leads to a buildup of tissue in the intima (the first internal layer of tissue comprising a blood vessel wall).
Mercator MedSystems is investigating several drug candidates for MicroSyringe delivery to prevent or treat restenosis. In preclinical research, its formulation of 17Β -estradiol has shown a 75% reduction in restenosis after local administration with the MicroSyringe. The restenosis rate in peripheral artery disease 12 months after angioplasty is as high as 40%. Initial studies with the MicroSyringe have shown that the inflammatory processes occurring after angioplasty or atherectomy in the arms and legs may be stabilized with localized drug therapy.
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