The present invention provides an enhanced method and device to inhibit or
reduce the rate of restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement.
The invention involves placing a balloon tipped catheter in the area
treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following
angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be
delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in
place from a balloon angioplasty. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon may
be flowed into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon,
this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. The catheter
may also be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating
the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact
with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary
vein adjacent the left atrium.