Beta radiation in the treatment of in-stent restenosis of an in situ saphenous vein bypass graft

We describe a case of instent restenosis in a femoral-distal saphenous vein bypass graft successfully treated with brachytherapy. A 45-year-old insulin-requiring diabetic woman underwent an in-situ femoral-anterior tibial bypass graft for a non-healing ischemic ulcer. Despite a technically successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and endovascular stenting of a retained valve within the threatened graft, the wound failed to heal. At the 1-month follow-up, instent restenosis was documented and successful cutting balloon angioplasty, complemented by adjunctive beta-irradiation was successfully performed. Clinical and hemodynamic success was achieved, with prompt ulcer healing and intermediate-term graft patency maintained on surveillance duplex ultrasound follow-up. We review the literature on radiation therapy in the management of peripheral arterial disease and discuss therapeutic options in the management of restenosis.