ABSTRACT

Arterial occlusive disorders include atherosclerosis of native arteries, accelerated atherosclerosis involving vein grafts and arteries of transplanted organs, and restenosis following angioplasty and stenting. Atherosclerotic vascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability throughout the United States and other industrialized nations and consumes enormous fiscal resources. An improved understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and thrombosis is likely to lead to improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this common disorder.