In-stent restenosis: update on intracoronary radiotherapy

Stents eliminate vessel recoil and remodeling, two of the three major causes of restenosis after balloon angioplasty, but they promote the third cause, neointimal proliferation. Intracoronary radiotherapy at the time of successful repeat balloon angioplasty is proving effective in treating in-stent restenosis and lowering rates of recurrence. Current techniques and their safety and efficacy are discussed.