The god of small things: the biology of intimal hyperplasia.
One of the most significant, and as yet unresolved, consequences of placing devices within the vascular system is the uncontrolled growth of the inner layer of the bloodvessel wall following contact with the device. This process is one of the most difficult challenges facing all aspects of intervention; it confronts techniques such as renal-artery stenting, vein grafts, balloon angioplasty, endarterectomy and atherectomy. This article discusses some of the proposed mechanisms for this phenomenon and the prognosis for its control.
Williams
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Clinical Engineering Department, Royal Liverpool University, UK. dfw.ce@liverpool.ac.uk
D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D001695:Biology; D002455:Cell Division; D002465:Cell Movement; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011379:Prognosis; D012008:Recurrence; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014945:Wound Healing