Heparin after angioplasty: an unresolved issue?

Abstract

Restenosis following coronary angioplasty remains a significant problem. Experimental work suggests that appropriate use of heparin may be beneficial through inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation. Possible mechanisms of this effect in various models, are discussed. Limited clinical studies to date, however, have failed to show therapeutic efficacy. Possible reasons for this lack of effect are discussed and the importance of assessing heparin in appropriate clinical trials is emphasized.