Definition of Coronary artery brachytherapy

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.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=16088
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012