Current status of intracoronary brachytherapy

Intracoronary radiation therapy or intracoronary brachytherapy has been dev eloped as an attempt to decrease restenosis after percutaneous coronary int erventions. Two parallel technologies, one employing radioactive stents, th e other catheter-based radiation (using either beta- or gamma -emitters), h ave been the subject of numerous animal and human studies. In vivo intravas cular ultrasound imaging studies have played a major role in determining th e possible mechanism of action of intracoronary radiation therapy and the p athogeny of many of the complications related to the use of this technique. This manuscript is aimed at revising the potential and limitations of intr acoronary brachytherapy, as well as at summarizing the results of the curre ntly reported clinical trials.