The Risk of Coronary Artery Re-Blockage

If you have undergone either angioplasty or had a heart stent implanted, you may be at risk for restenosis.

Restenosis is the re-blockage of a coronary artery at the same place where treatment such as balloon angioplasty or stent placement has already taken place.

The major cause of re-blockage is the overgrowth of normal cells. In an attempt to heal the artery after an angioplasty or stent placement, the body signals cells to start dividing. As the cells multiply, they can narrow the artery again.

In-stent restenosis is tissue regrowth inside a coronary artery stent.

Whether it is restenosis or in-stent restenosis, the end result is a narrowing of the artery that may eventually block the flow of blood to your heart. This can lead to further chest pain and may require further interventions or cardiac surgery. Any of these results may reduce your quality of life, or lead to additional, unwanted physical risks.

Is there a way to minimize the risk of restenosis?

Until recently, doctors had to wait and see if restenosis occurred and then treat it. Now, you and your doctor can take preventive measures against artery re-blockage by selecting a treatment up front that may reduce your risk of developing restenosis. The CYPHER^® Stent releases a unique medication called sirolimus that limits the overgrowth of normal cells, while allowing the artery to heal.

The CYPHER^® Stent significantly reduces the chance of re-blockage in the treated area, and reduces the need for another procedure. In fact, research has shown that when compared to a bare metal stent, the CYPHER^® Stent reduces the need for re-intervention in the treated area of the artery by more than 70% up to 5 years after the procedure.

Talk with your doctor to help weigh the potential benefits and risks of angioplasty and the different types of coronary stents. Only your health care provider knows what treatment will be best for you.