Title:Drug-Eluting Stent Restenosis: Modern Approach to a Classic Challenge
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Author(s): Teodora Donisan*, Luai Madanat, Dinu V. Balanescu, Amy Mertens and Simon Dixon
Affiliation:
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, 48073, USA
Keywords:
In-stent restenosis, drug-eluting stent, bare metal stent, DES-ISR, percutaneous coronary intervention, brachytherapy.
Abstract: In-stent restenosis (ISR) is a recognized complication following percutaneous coronary
intervention in which the luminal diameter is narrowed through neointimal hyperplasia and vessel
remodeling. Although rates of ISR have decreased in most recent years owing to newer generation
drug-eluting stents, thinner struts, and better intravascular imaging modalities, ISR remains a prevalent
dilemma that proves to be challenging to manage. Several factors have been proposed to contribute
to ISR formation, including mechanical stent characteristics, technical factors during the
coronary intervention, and biological aspects of drug-eluting stents. Presentation of ISR can range
from asymptomatic to late myocardial infarction and could be difficult to differentiate from acute
thrombus formation. No definite guidelines are present on the management of ISR. In this review,
we will discuss the mechanisms underlying ISR and provide insight into patient-related and procedural
risk factors contributing to ISR, in addition to highlighting common treatment approaches
utilized in the management of ISR.