ABSTRACT
Smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation are the main mechanisms for restenosis following intervention. PDT has shown its ability to eradicate smooth muscle cells following injury in animal models. Also PDT is known to increase collagen cross linkage in the extracellular matrix, creating a barrier to smooth muscle cell attachment, proliferation and migration.27 Restenosis, the major limitation of the long-term success of percutaneous coronary interventions, is probably best treated with brachytherapy, which uses ionizing radiation. PDT, however, which in contrast to brachytherapy uses non-ionizing radiation, has emerged as another possible strategy.28
