Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Imaging In-Stent Restenosis: An Inexpensive, Reliable, and Rapid Preclinical Model
Published on: September 14, 2009
Noninvasive evaluation of coronary endothelial function following sirolimus-eluting stent implantation by using
Mitsuaki Horigome1, Setsuo Kumazaki, Naoya Hattori
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan.
Objective:
Several invasive studies have reported delayed reendothelialization and endothelial dysfunction following sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation. We evaluated the changes in coronary endothelial function following SES implantation by using a noninvasive method that involved positron emission tomography and cold pressor testing (CPT).
Methods:
The study was conducted on 14 lesions on which percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was successively performed. The lesions were classified into 2 groups depending on the PCI performed: the conventional PCI group, in which 7 conventional PCIs (plain old balloon angioplasty or bare-metal stents) were performed, and the SES group, in which 7 SESs were implanted. Coronary endothelial function was defined as the percent increase in the myocardial blood flow (MBF) during CPT.
Results:
The resting MBF in the segments distal to the PCI sites did not differ between the conventional PCI and SES groups; however, the MBF significantly decreased in the SES group during CPT.
Conclusions:
These data suggest that SES implantation induces coronary endothelial dysfunction in the segments distal to the PCI sites.
Related Concept Videos
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...