Radiation
Brachytherapy
Why is the doctor performing this procedure?
To open up a repeatedly narrowed or blocked peripheral artery,
using radiation to keep it open over time. Here is what happens:
- Peripheral artery narrowing or
blockage occurs (called atherosclerosis), requiring
treatment.
- Angioplasty with stent placement is
performed.
- Following angioplasty with stent
placement, 15-25% of patients will unfortunately experience
restenosis (recurrent narrowing or blockage of that artery),
usually because of aggressive scar formation over the
previously placed stent.
- A second angioplasty procedure is
required to open up the restenosis.
- Radiation brachytherapy is now performed as part of the
second angioplasty procedure, using radiation to prevent
any further restenosis.
What is the procedure?
"Brachytherapy" means radiation therapy focused
within a small and very specific part of a heart artery. Brachytherapy
is only utilized for cases requiring a second angioplasty
(PTCA) due to restenosis (or re-narowing of the artery) from
a previously placed stent. For these cases, the patient has
an angioplasty procedure to re-open the re-narrowed artery.
Then, a separate catheter is inserted, this time with a row
or "ribbon" of radioactive isotopes attached. These
isotopes can be either Gamma or Beta radiated. The catheter
is advanced in the artery to the previously placed stent.
The ribbon of isotopes is left in place, directly delivering
radiation to this very focused area, for 5 - 20 minutes. The
catheter is removed, pressure is applied to stop bleeding,
and the patient must rest flat for several hours.
Where is the procedure performed?
Radiation Brachytherapy is performed in the Catheterization
Lab.
How long does this procedure take?
Radiation Brachytherapy with angioplasty usually takes 1-2
hours.
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