What is Restenosis?
Stenosis is the narrowing of an artery due to plaque formation. This accumulation on the inner lining of the artery can decrease blood flow and oxygen to your vital organs. Restenosis is the re-narrowing of an artery experienced by some patients who receive angioplasty or stenting. Restenosis occurs when an artery re-narrows due to an overgrowth of tissue inside the artery wall. This overgrowth is a formation of scar tissue and happens in some people as a result of the artery healing process. The overgrown scar tissue may form at the site of a treatment procedure and is experienced by some patients within the first 6 months of treatment. Drug-coated stents are designed to reduce restenosis. If you are considering treatment options for CAD and have concerns about reducing the risk of restenosis, talk to your physician. Last update: 31.07.
Restenosis is a potential complication of angioplasty, a procedure which removes an obstruction or alters a narrow artery. Commonly, a balloon is inserted into a blocked artery during an angioplasty and inflated in order to allow blood to flow normally to all portions of the heart. Another option with an angioplasty is to install a stent, a spring-like device meant to help keep the artery open. Some stents are treated with special medicines in order to reduce the amount of tissue that clings to the metal of the stent. These medicine-treated stents are still awaiting FDA approval, so they are not regularly used in the procedure. With either method, the final result is an artificial device placed in the patient’s heart in order to keep the artery from closing. Within six months of the angioplasty, the artery can become blocked again as scar tissue builds around the artificial device. This complication is referred to as restenosis. If a balloon is used, there is a 40% change of restenosis
Restenosis is a return of a blockage or a re-narrowing in the treated carotid artery. It is more likely to occur in the first 6 to 12 months after treatment, so keeping your follow-up appointments is important. Restenosis is caused by the accumulation of scar tissue at the treatment site. The rate of restenosis, as reported in current clinical research, is 1 percent per year. If you have symptoms similar to what you experienced before the procedure, call your doctor as soon as the symptoms occur.
Restenosis is the renarrowing of an artery after it has been opened by angioplasty. If restenosis occurs, it usually will happen within six months following angioplasty. A return of your symptoms may be the first sign of restenosis. Therefore, if your symptoms return, notify your doctor. Can Restenosis be prevented?
