Drug delivery systems for the treatment of restenosis

Attempts to achieve revascularization of coronary arteries blocked by ather osclerotic plaques are hampered by restenotic hyperproliferative response o f the treated vessels. The uniform failure of clinical trials using systemi c therapies to prevent restenosis has prompted development of methods for a rterial drug delivery systems. This review describes technologies of polyme ric-based, perivascular, and intraluminal drug and gene delivery systems. T he critical assessment of controversies including drug and vehicle type, do se and release rate, and preclinical validation is reviewed.