Restenosis following coronary balloon angioplasty: Role of smooth muscle cell proliferation

Abstract

Restenosis following successful coronary balloon angioplasty remains one of major limitations of this procedure. It is now known that intimal hyperplasia is the primary cause of restenosis. Angioplasty injury of arteries causes activation of platelets, injury and necrosis of smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and leukocyte infiltration. These events result in the production and release of factors that stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation and subsequently lead to intimal hyperplasia. A number of antiproliferative agents have been found to be effective in inhibiting intimal hyperplasia. It is hoped that an effective pharmacologic approach toward preventing restenosis may be found in the near future.