Novel vascularization strategies

This report focuses on novel revascularization strategies presented at this meeting. An estimated 20 to 30% of symptomatic patients with advanced ischemic coronary disease are not eligible for standard therapeutic options including coronary angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery because of the extent and location of coronary stenoses, small distal vessels, co-existing co-morbidities or other considerations. Two new therapeutic approaches are currently being explored in these 'no-option' patients--angiogenesis and laser revascularization. Several early trials of angiogenic agents including VEGF165 and FGF2 were presented at this meeting. In addition, several preclinical studies examined potential delivery approaches for this class of agents and validated novel outcome measures to be used in subsequent clinical trials.