Restenosis and Brachytherapy

Intracoronary radiation therapy has been developed in an attempt to decrease restenosis after balloon angioplasty and stent implantation. Two parallel technologies, one employing radioactive stents, the other catheter-based radiation (using either beta- or gamma-emitters), have been the subject of both animal and human studies. In vivo intravascular ultrasound imaging studies have helped us to determine the morphologic effect of brachytherapy on the vessel wall. This article is aimed at revising the potential and limitations of this new technique and summarizing the results of the currently reported clinical trials.