Re: Angioplasty

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on November 12, 1998 at 10:22:27:

In Reply to: Angioplasty posted by Kris on November 09, 1998 at 12:35:11:






What physically happens in an artery that causes an angioplasty to clog up again? Is it the healing process of the artery after being irritated by the procedure or is it just that the balloon or stent fails to stay open? I want to know what the process is (what happens) that causes a restenosis. Thank you.
Dear Kris
Restenosis after balloon angioplasty is a complex phenomenon. It is predominantly caused by scar tissue formation, as well as elastic recoil of the dilated blood vessel. Restenosis after stenting is predominantly caused by scar tissue formation. Factors such as diabetes increase the likelihood of restenosis.
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