I Like the Candy, I Hate the Wrapper

to Robert and Tim Fischell, described an "intraarterial stent with the capability to inhibit intimal hyperplasia." 1 The proponents of this patent went on to say in their proposal: "Since radiation from a radioisotope source is capable of selectively inhibiting the growth of hyperproliferating cells as compared with normal cells, a radioisotope material which forms part of the stent can be used to decrease the rate of arterial reclosure. The radioisotope could be placed inside the stent, alloyed into the metal from which the stent is made, or preferably, it can be coated onto the stent's exterior surface." So began the story of the radioactive stent. Eight years and several animal species later, we are becoming aware of the bright and dark sides of this treatment modality in the human model.