ABSTRACT
Post angioplasty restenosis continues to be a major obstacle in catheter-based cardiovascular interventions. While cellular proliferation after balloon injury is most likely the mechanism for the development of clinical restenosis, the degree of the proliferative response remains unknown.1-4 Early and late remodeling of the vessel lumen following angioplasty have been identified as contributors to restenosis.5-8 Stents have been used to eliminate vessel remodeling, and maintain a higher patency rate 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
