intimal hyperplasia
Abnormal thickening of the inner arterial wall layer, commonly occurring at surgical anastomoses and contributing to graft stenosis.
Full Definition
Intimal hyperplasia is a pathologic process characterized by the abnormal proliferation and thickening of smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix within the intimal layer of blood vessels. In cardiac and vascular surgery, intimal hyperplasia is a significant cause of late graft failure and anastomotic stenosis, particularly in vein grafts and arterial reconstructions. The process is triggered by surgical trauma, altered hemodynamics, and various growth factors, leading to progressive narrowing of the vessel lumen. Understanding and preventing intimal hyperplasia is crucial for optimizing long-term patency of surgical revascularization procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from atherosclerotic changes; intimal hyperplasia is typically a response to surgical intervention.
In Context
- "Surveillance angiography revealed significant intimal hyperplasia at the distal anastomosis of the saphenous vein graft." — Follow-up cardiac catheterization report
- "The development of intimal hyperplasia led to progressive stenosis and eventual graft failure at 18 months postoperatively." — Long-term outcome analysis