What is restenosis?

Restenosis is a potential complication of angioplasty, a procedure that removes an obstacle or changes narrow artery. During angioplasty, the balloon is usually inserted into a blocked artery and inflated to allow blood to flow normally into all parts of the heart. Another option with angioplasty is to install a stent, a spring device to help keep the artery open. Some stents are treated with special medicines to reduce the amount of tissue that sticks to the metal of the stent. These stents treated medicines are still waiting for FDA approval, so they are not used regularly in the procedure.

with both methods is the final result of an artificial device located in the heart of the patient to prevent closing of the artery. Within six months of angioplasty, the artery can be blocked again when the scars tissue is built around an artificial device. This complication is referred to as restenosis. If a balloon is used, there are 40% change restenosis, but the risk is reduced to 23% when using stent.

Usually the patient is handled by restenosis after engaging in physical activity. If the cardiologist determines the problem to be restenosis, the patient has three treatment options. The first option is for a cardiologist to perform a second angioplasty. In this case, the stent or balloon is removed and replaced by a new device. Unfortunately, the risk of restenosis is higher in the second angioplasty than the first.

The second option for a patient suffering from restenosis is to undergo surgery. During this procedure, the artery part is replaced by a part of the artery from the patient's thigh. This surgery is more risky than the second angioplasty, but usually more effective if the patient holds a prescribed strict diet and exercise regime by a doctor.

The last option is a newer procedure called brachytherapy. Brachytherapy uses a low dose of radiation to inhibit scar tissue from formation inside the artery. Brachytherapy is a lower risk than bypass surgery but few doctorsThe erays are qualified to perform the procedure. Therefore, it is generally offered only in large cities.

patients who have undergone angioplasty can help prevent restenosis. Maintaining a low -fat diet, limiting alcohol consumption, ending smoking and regular exercise can help prevent. A regular visit to a cardiologist is also crucial, just as it takes all prescribed medicines.