the present invention is directed to the treatment of small abdominal aortic aneurysms by the implantation of a polymeric , biodegradable device incorporating an anti - aneurismal effective amount of a mmp inhibitor . the present invention is further directed to the polymeric , biodegradable implantable device produced from a biodegradable , polymeric material having an anti - aneurismal effective amount of a mmp inhibitor incorporated therein . not only can the treatment in accordance with the present invention prevent the inception and growth of aneurysms , it can also induce regression of established aneurysms .