From the Foreword by Eric J. Topol In the past five years,
interventional cardiology has entered a new era of evaluating
percutaneous transcatheter technologies to treat coronary artery disease
and prevent restenosis. Cardiologists attempting to follow this new and
exciting field may easily be confused by the growth and expansion of new
devices, the technical details relevant to each device and enthusiastic
claims of success. This monograph is a comprehensive and objective
assessment of restenosis from the perspective of these new technologies
including stenting, atherectomy, rotational abrasion and lasers, written
by innovators and pioneers.
The international breadth of experience is reflected in the summary of
experiences from both sides of the Atlantic, at times with conflicting
observations and results which in itself is valuable, given the diverse
experience to date. In addition to the lucid summaries of the early and
late results of these new devices, important issues in the methodology
of restenosis research are addressed, including limitations of
quantitative coronary arteriography in evaluating the new devices and
important advances in alternatives to arteriography such as
intravascular imaging. As a whole, this monograph is exceptionally
worthwhile owing to its complete, up-to-date, balanced and visionary
elements. There is no question that the new coronary device era has
ushered in some excitement, and some despair.
This book serves a pivotal purpose by weaving so many new concepts
together, establishing the groundwork for further development of
mechanical approaches to limit restenosis. I heartily recommend this
text to all interventional cardiologists interested in practical and
research aspects of restenosis.
