Authors' objectives:

This report aims to assess the effectiveness of intracoronary brachytherapy. This technique is used in cases of coronary restenosis following angioplasty and more generally as an adjuvant therapy for coronary atherosclerosis associated with angioplasty.

Authors' recommendations: The CEDIT is of the opinion that intracoronary brachytherapy has yet to be sufficiently evaluated. Since follow-up periods are not lengthy enough, its long-term effects are not fully known. The CEDIT emphasizes that the current development of coated stents, a promising technology, could well provide an alternative to intracoronary brachytherapy. However, follow-up information on the medium and long-term effects of such stents is insufficient and their indications are yet to be clearly established. The CEDIT recommends that only one centre of the AP-HP be designated for treatment with intracoronary brachytherapy for patients showing an in-stent restenosis.

Authors' methods: Systematic review, expert opinion

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://cedit.aphp.fr/

Year Published: 2001

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Organisation Name: Cellule Innovation of the AP-HP

Copyright: Comite d'Evaluation et de Diffusion des Innovations Technologiques (CEDIT)