Methods and devices are provided for at least reducing the mineral content
of a vascular calcified lesion, i.e. a calcified lesion present on the
vascular tissue of a host. In the subject methods, the local environment
of the lesion is maintained at a subphysiologic pH for a period of time
sufficient for the mineral content of the lesion to be reduced, e.g. by
flushing the lesion with a fluid capable of locally increasing the proton
concentration in the region of the lesion. Also provided are catheters for
use in performing the subject methods, where the catheters at least
include a first lumen capable of delivering fluid to a vascular site and a
second lumen capable of removing fluid from a vascular site. The subject
methods and devices find particular use in the treatment of vascular
diseases associated with the presence of calcified lesions on vascular
tissue.