TINY, targeted doses of radiation could spare thousands of patients with
heart disease unpleasant and costly returns to hospital. The novel treatment
uses beta particles to halt the abnormal growth of cells that line arteries
where a blockage has already been removed.
Researchers led by cardiologist Martin Rothman and radiation oncologist
Melanie Powell at the London Chest Hospital have had promising results with all
five patients who have so far received the treatment, developed by the US firm
Guidant based in Santa Clara, California.
Surgeons usually treat blocked coronary arteries with balloon angioplasty.
This involves feeding a catheter containing a…
