BIODEGRADABLE IMPLANT STRATEGIES FOR INHIBITION OF RESTENOSIS

Restenosis of coronary arteries within 6 months of angioplasty has sev erely limited the long-term success of this procedure. As with any pro cedure that involves vascular manipulation, thrombosis and stenosis du e to intimal proliferation and blood vessel remodeling are the process es that interfere with prolonged patency. This review explores the lat est strategies in the form of biodegradable implants designed to inhib it arterial restenosis. The devices discussed herein have potential us efulness not only in coronary artery disease but also in a broad varie ty of vascular procedures and settings.