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Angiogensis is the term used to describe the formation of blood vessels. Angiogenesis typically occurs during fetal development, wound healing and some other physiological stresses.
When people have significant narrowing of their coronary arteries, they often develop chest pain (angina) and are at risk for heart attack. Improving blood flow to areas of the heart that have diminished circulation is often the main goal of therapy. Bypass surgery and angioplasty are the means most commonly used for that purpose.
There are two new techniques under investigation that in theory may promote angiogenesis in the heart.
The first uses gene therapy in an attempt to promote the formation of blood vessels within the heart. The hope is that these new vessels will form ‘detours’ (collaterals) around arteries that are severely narrowed.
The second technique is called transmyocardial revascularization (TMR), in which microscopic holes are made into the heart muscle using a laser. Some speculate that such holes improve blood flow to the heart by promoting angiogensis. Both techniques are still experimental.
Recently, attention focused on anti-angiogenesis as a means of restricting blood flow to cancer tumors. Initial research in mice has shown that anti-angiogenic therapy may hold promise and testing in humans is planned