ABSTRACT
Intracoronary radiation therapy has been developed in an attempt to decrease restenosis after balloon angioplasty and stent implantation. Two parallel techniques – one employing catheter-based radiation (using either β-or α-emitters), the other using radioactive stents – have been the subject of both animal and human studies. In vivo intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging studies have helped us to determine the effect of brachytherapy on the vessel wall. This chapter is aimed at reviewing the potential and limitations of this technique, summarizing the results of the currently reported clinical trials.
