Irradiation and stenting.

Intravascular irradiation by both gamma and beta sources has been shown to prevent neointimal proliferation after balloon injury in the overstretch pig coronary model. A number of clinical studies are underway that involve brachytherapy from gamma sources in vessels that have been stented. The purpose of this review is to analyse the physical nature of the interaction of various forms of radiation with stent materials and to summarize the available experimental information for relevant clinical correlates of these effects. The ultimate use of vascular radiation in the presence of metallic stents will require knowledge of the possible dose alterations, and where possible, techniques to compensate for these effects.