Radiotherapy Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Radiotherapy, including details on cancer treatment, side effects.

Advances in vascular brachytherapy over the last 10 years: focus on femoropopliteal applications.

Schillinger M, Minar E

Department of Angiology, Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria.

Restenosis and the need for repeated interventions after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) remain major drawbacks limiting a widespread application of this minimally invasive technique in the femoropopliteal segment. During the last decade, vascular brachytherapy (BT) emerged as a promising, novel technology with the potential to reduce the rates of restenosis. Meanwhile, several randomized controlled trials have suggested beneficial short and midterm effects of BT in the femoropopliteal arteries. However, despite substantial advances, many questions remain regarding the utility of vascular BT and its dissemination as a practical tool to prevent restenosis. The risk of complications, such as late stent thrombosis, edge effect, catch-up late restenosis, and potential aneurysm formation, as well as the logistical issues associated with the use of this technology in the catheterization laboratory, are delaying the acceptance of BT for routine use. This article reviews the developments of BT for restenosis prevention during the past decade, focusing on implications for peripheral endovascular treatment.

Published 11 March 2005 in J Endovasc Ther, 11: II180-91.
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