1) Describe the status of drug eluting stents in peripheral vascular disease. 2) Discuss drug eluting balloons and other new endovascular technologies. 3) Describe the role of new imaging modalities in peripheral interventions. 4) Leave enthused about the future of endovascular therapy.
The majority of emerging technologies in endovascular therapy appear to be directed to adding pharmacologic or biological activity to devices (“drug - device combinations”), principally to prolong efficacy. The most well known are drug eluting stents, and there are now data demonstrating efficacy in peripheral vascular disease. In addition, exciting technologies including drug eluting balloons, injectable nanoparticles and gene therapy are being evaluated. To best assess the endpoint and the effect of biologically active therapies will require accurate anatomic and functional information, one of the most promising for interventional procedures is fusion imaging.
Machan, L,
Future Directions and Discussion. Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8001318.html
