Restenosis is the name given to the formation of new blockages within an artery, after the artery has been treated with angioplasty or stenting.
Restenosis can occur either early (immediately following the procedure or up to a few weeks after the procedure) or late (weeks or months after the angioplasty).
Early restenosis is usually due to a tear in a plaque, caused by the trauma of the angioplasty procedure itself. This tear can cause blood clots to form within the artery, or bleeding into the wall of the artery, either of which can cause acute blockage of the artery.
Late restenosis is usually caused by the growth of new tissue at the site of the angioplasty, and can be thought of as an “over exuberant” healing process.
You can read more about restenosis here.
