Coronary artery brachytherapy


Local radiation treatment within an artery to the heart. Coronary artery brachytherapy has been used to reduce the recurrence of blockage (obstruction) of a coronary artery after successful treatment of a blockage of a stent. A stent is a tubular structure that is implanted inside of a coronary artery to keep it open, thereby preventing a heart attack.

The radiation from coronary artery brachytherapy is believed to prevent cells from reproducing to cause blockage of the blood vessel (coronary artery).

Recurrent blockage after placement of a coronary artery stent has been reported to occur in 20 to 30 percent of patients.

Read Also:

  • Coronary artery disease

    Coronary artery disease: Impedance or blockage of one or more arteries that supply blood to the heart, usually due to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Abbreviated CAD. A major cause of illness and death, CAD begins when hard cholesterol substances (plaques) are deposited within a coronary artery. The plaques in the coronary arteries can lead […]

  • Coronary artery bypass graft

    Abbreviated CABG. A form of bypass surgery that can create new routes around narrowed and blocked coronary arteries, permitting increased blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. Coronary artery bypass graft is an option for selected groups of patients with significant narrowings and blockages of the heart arteries. The bypass graft […]

  • Coronary bypass

    Coronary bypass: A bypass of a plaque within a coronary artery using part of a vein as a graft. See: Coronary artery bypass graft.

  • Coronary artery spasm

    Coronary artery spasm: A sudden constriction of a coronary artery that deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen. This can cause a type of sudden chest pain referred to as variant angina or Prinzmetal angina. Coronary artery spasm can be triggered by emotional stress, medicines, street drugs (particularly cocaine), and exposure to extreme cold. […]

  • Coronary insufficiency

    Coronary insufficiency: Insufficient blood flow through one or more coronary arteries.


Disclaimer: Coronary artery brachytherapy definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.