ABSTRACT
Post angioplasty restenosis continues to be a major obstacle in catheter-based cardiovascular interventions. While cellular proliferation after balloon injury is the most likely mechanism for the development of clinical restenosis, the degree of the proliferative response remains unknown.1-4 Early and late remodelling of the vessel lumen following angioplasty have been identified as contributors to restenosis.5-8 Stents have been used to eliminate vessel remodelling, and maintain a higher patency rate as compared to angioplasty alone.9,10
Often, however, a higher degree of proliferative response and an increase in late lumen loss occurs with stent placement.11
