Intra-arterial administration of the ACE inhibitor rampiril via a microperforated catheter for the prevention of neointimal proliferation after angioplasty in an animal model.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and benefit of a high-dose local drug admin istration via a microporous balloon catheter to prevent neointimal formatio n after balloon angioplasty. Materials and Methods: In New Zealand white ra bbits (n = 29) neointima formation was induced by balloon denudation. Addit ionally, the animals were fed a 0.5 % cholesterol diet for 6 weeks. Directl y after the denudation, local application of 1.8 mg ramiprilat (n=7) or sal ine (n=7) via a microporous balloon catheter was performed. Other animals ( n=7) were treated with a systemic ramipril administration. One control grou p were exclusively fed with a cholesterol diet (n = 8). 6 weeks after inter vention the animals were sacrificed and morphometry of the vessels was perf ormed. Results: Local administraiton of ramipril resulted in a non-signific ant reduction of 17%. The local administration mode was combined with a sig nificant 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 n eointimal proliferation in New Zealand white rabbits.