Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
intimal hyperplasia
Pronunciation: in-TIM-al hy-per-PLAY-zhuh
Abnormal thickening of arterial inner layer causing narrowing after intervention.
Full Definition
Proliferative response of smooth muscle cells in the arterial intima following vascular injury, commonly occurring at anastomotic sites or within stented segments after intervention. Intimal hyperplasia represents the primary mechanism of restenosis following angioplasty, bypass surgery, or stent placement. Documentation requires histological confirmation when possible and specific measurement of luminal narrowing to guide treatment decisions and surveillance protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as IH in clinical documentation and research literature.
In Context
- "Recurrent stenosis was attributed to intimal hyperplasia at the distal anastomosis." — Pathology documentation
- "Drug-eluting stents reduce intimal hyperplasia compared to bare metal devices." — Treatment planning
Also known as
neointimal proliferation
intimal thickening
Contrasted with
intimal atrophy
Don't confuse with
atherosclerosis
thrombosis