Imaging Angiogenesis with Three-Dimensional Microscopic Computed Tomography.

Abstract

An increasing number of patients with advanced coronary artery disease remain symptomatic, despite maximal interventional or medical treatment. A high demand exists for alternative anti-anginal therapies and ways to improve survival. One of the most intriguing new approaches to increase blood flow to ischemic myocardium is therapeutic angiogenesis, the induction of new vessel growth. Current methods involve local angiogenic growth factor administration, transfection of genes expressing angiogenic proteins, or direct myocardial revascularization. These new therapeutics are undergoing intensive basic and clinical investigation.