A Game-Changer for Challenging Restenosis

David Lasorda, DO
Credit: Allegheny Health Network

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a significant public health concern that affects millions of Americans. While coronary revascularization procedures offer lifesaving solutions for those with CAD, a significant challenge arises for patients with restenosis, which can occur in a significant portion of patients following angioplasty, both with and without stenting.

In particularly challenging cases of restenosis, AHN cardiologists use intracoronary vascular brachytherapy with notable results. “For years, we have been treating cancer patients with brachytherapy, placing radiation directly in or near malignant tumors to help eradicate them,” says Mark Trombetta, MD, System Director of Clinical Program Development at AHN Cancer Institute. “The same process that eliminates cancer cells has proven to be equally effective at inhibiting the growth of cells that lead to scar tissue and plaque that causes blood vessels to narrow.”

The procedure utilizes a low dose of radiation delivered directly to the re-narrowed artery using a catheter, effectively inhibiting the growth of cells that cause restenosis. “Intracoronary brachytherapy gives us an effective option for patients who have experienced repeated restenosis after angioplasty and stent placement,” says David Lasorda, DO, FACP, FACC, FSCAI, director of interventional cardiology at AHN. “Even for these most difficult restenosis cases, there is a treatment option.”

In addition to pioneering the use of brachytherapy to treat challenging restenosis, the AHN Cardiovascular Institute offers a comprehensive range of both percutaneous and surgical coronary intervention procedures. The Institute specializes in complex transcatheter aortic valve replacement, transcutaneous mitral valve replacement, transcutaneous treatment for tricuspid valve disease, and coronary artery bypass grafting.

The Institute’s commitment to providing the highest level of care, coupled with its access to the most skilled experts and cutting-edge technologies, makes AHN a trusted partner for referring physicians and offers hope for patients facing challenging restenosis.

To refer your patients to the AHN Cardiovascular Institute, please call 1-844-MD-REFER. Referrals can also be made via our website at ahn.org/health-care-professionals.