ABSTRACT
Despite major progress in endovascular therapy over the last two decades, restenosis is still a
major limitation in the treatment of lower limb arterial occlusive disease. The extent of
restenosis after angioplasty is mainly determined by two mechanisms: negative remodeling
and development of neointimal hyperplasia. The literature relating to coronary interventions
has demonstrated that stent implantation provides a mechanical scaffold that eliminates recoil
and prevents negative remodelling. Stenting may also eliminate arterial dissection or residual
stenosis due to calcified plaques. However, enhanced neointimal hyperplasia increases the
rates of late failure after stenting.
