Intraarterielle Applikation des ACE-Hemmers Ramipril über mikroperforierte Katheter zur Prävention der Neointimaproliferation nach Angioplastie am Tiermodell

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and benefit of a high-dose local drug administration via a microporous balloon catheter to prevent neointimal formation after balloon angioplasty. Materials and Methods: In New Zealand white rabbits (n = 29) neointima formation was induced by balloon denudation. Additionally, the animals were fed a 0.5 % cholesterol diet for 6 weeks. Directly after the denudation, local application of 1.8 mg ramiprilat (n=7) or saline (n=7) via a microporous balloon catheter was performed. Other animals (n=7) were treated with a systemic ramipril administration. One control group were exclusively fed with a cholesterol diet (n = 8). 6 weeks after intervention the animals were sacrificed and morphometry of the vessels was performed. Results: Local administraiton of ramipril resulted in a non-significant reduction of 17%. The local administration mode was combined with a significant increase in neointima formation. Systemic ramipril administration resulted in a 66% reduction of plaque area. Conclusions: The benefit of the local ramipril administration was diminished by the inherent vessel trauma. Systemic ramipril administration resulted in a significant reduction of neointimal proliferation in New Zealand white rabbits.