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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Radiation Beads?
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Radiation Beads?
by Rita, Oct 30, 2001 12:00AM
My father had a stent put in about 3 months ago. A recent stress test revealed a circulation problem to the back of his heart. His cardiologist has him coming back in December, at which time a procedure will be available using “radiation beads” (as my father said). In the meantime, he is to continue with his normal routine. This brings up questions my father was unable to answer: 1) What is his cardiologist talking about…radiation beads? 2) What is the purpose of the procedure? 3) How is the procedure done? 4) What is the success rate of the procedure? 5) Why should my father choose this option over other options (if there are any)? 6) What questions should be asked of the cardiologist? 7) Any side effects, restrictions involved? Thank you for your response.
Rita
Rita
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-CRC, Oct 30, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Rita,
Radiation therapy or brachytherapy is an new development in interventional cardiology in the treatment of blockages within stents ("in-stent restenosis"). The therapy is essentially what your father described: a small radioactive "bead" or pellet is placed inside the stent for a short period of time. The radiation is localized to the stent area and prevents blockages from recurring in the stent. There is a high success rate for the procedure and his cardiologist can give you exact numbers for his experience. There are minimal side-effects. Other options would include bypass surgery and medical management. The best option would depend on his symptoms, his willingness to undergo surgery and his doctor's opinion. These are all good issues to discuss with his doctor.
Radiation therapy or brachytherapy is an new development in interventional cardiology in the treatment of blockages within stents ("in-stent restenosis"). The therapy is essentially what your father described: a small radioactive "bead" or pellet is placed inside the stent for a short period of time. The radiation is localized to the stent area and prevents blockages from recurring in the stent. There is a high success rate for the procedure and his cardiologist can give you exact numbers for his experience. There are minimal side-effects. Other options would include bypass surgery and medical management. The best option would depend on his symptoms, his willingness to undergo surgery and his doctor's opinion. These are all good issues to discuss with his doctor.
