What is neointimal thickening?

Neointimal hyperplasia refers to proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells primarily in the tunica intima, resulting in the thickening of arterial walls and decreased arterial lumen space.

What is neointimal growth?

Neointimal hyperplasia refers to post-intervention, pathological, vascular remodeling due to the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells into the tunica intima layer, resulting in vascular wall thickening and the gradual loss of luminal patency which may lead to the return of vascular insufficiency …

What is neointimal formation?

Neointima formation is a characteristic response of arteries to several forms of injury. As such it is one of the processes that contribute to the development of restenosis after a suc- cessful balloon angioplasty of a primary stenosis.

What does neointimal mean?

: a new or thickened layer of arterial intima formed especially on a prosthesis or in atherosclerosis by migration and proliferation of cells from the media.

Why does neointimal hyperplasia occur?

Neointimal hyperplasia refers to post-intervention, pathological, vascular remodeling due to the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in the tunica intima layer, resulting in vascular wall thickening and the gradual loss of luminal patency which may lead to the return of vascular insufficiency …

What is stent restenosis?

In-stent restenosis (ISR) is the narrowing of a stented coronary artery lesion. The mean time from percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to ISR was 12 months with drug-eluting stents (DES) and 6 months with bare metal stents (BMS). ISR typically presents as recurrent angina.

Can intimal thickening be reversed?

Yes, advanced arterial wall thickening or increased CIMT has been shown to be reversible if treated aggressively and appropriately. The FDA and NIH also accept CIMT (but not coronary calcium scanning) to follow patients for atherosclerotic disease progression.

How can you prevent restenosis?

There isn’t much you can do to prevent restenosis due to excessive tissue growth during the healing process. However, you can help prevent restenosis due to underlying coronary artery disease. Try to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes not smoking, a healthy diet, and moderate exercise.

How common is in stent restenosis?

Ellis says, “in-stent restenosis still occurs in approximately 3 to 10% of patients within six to nine months, and sometimes afterwards. We have learned that restenosis is a very complex process.” Some known causes include: Stents that are too small or misaligned in the blood vessel.