Suppression of neointimal hyperplasia by photodynamic therapy: in vitro and in vivo results

Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is the pathophysiogical basis of the restenoses which occur in 30-55% of patients undergone revascularisation. Prophylactic measures including pharmacotherapy, endovascular stenting and anti-gene therapy have so far failed to contain this problem. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may selectively suppress VSMCs and decrease restenosis rates. We report 2 studies; the first examines the effect of PDT on an in-vitro model of NIH and the second involves using endoluminal ablation of an in-vivo model of experimental NIH of the rabbit's aorta