Final answer:
A stent containing paclitaxel can decrease the incidence of restenosis. The drug inhibits cell growth and helps prevent the re-narrowing of blood vessels after angioplasty. This drug-eluting stent can improve long-term outcomes for patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
A stent containing paclitaxel can decrease the incidence of restenosis. Restenosis is the re-narrowing or blockage of a blood vessel after an angioplasty procedure. Paclitaxel is a drug that belongs to a class of medications called taxanes, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects.
When a stent with paclitaxel is inserted during angioplasty, the paclitaxel is slowly released into the surrounding tissues, inhibiting cell growth and reducing the risk of restenosis. The paclitaxel helps prevent the smooth muscle cells in the vessel walls from growing and narrowing the vessel again.
This drug-eluting stent, when used appropriately, can significantly reduce the need for repeat interventions and improve the long-term outcomes for patients.