Which of the following has been used as a treatment for restenosis?

• A. Coronary brachytherapy
• B. Drug-eluting stents
• C. Balloon angioplasty
• D. Laser atherectomy

Answer: (A)

Restenosis happens when the vessel wall thickens again after PCI due to neointimal hyperplasia. Coronary brachytherapy delivers a short, targeted dose of radiation to the treated segment, which inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and neointimal growth. This anti-proliferative effect directly addresses the process that causes restenosis, making it a historically effective treatment option after angioplasty or stent placement. While balloon angioplasty and laser atherectomy mechanically widen or debulk the lesion, they don’t specifically counter the proliferative response. Drug-eluting stents now largely take the lead by locally delivering antiproliferative drugs to prevent restenosis, but brachytherapy represents a radiation-based approach that has been used to treat restenosis.