Intimal proliferation

Intimal proliferation refers to the pathological growth of smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix within the intima, the innermost layer of a blood vessel, often following vascular injury or inflammation. This process is clinically significant as it contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty, leading to narrowed arteries and compromised blood flow. A key association is its role in graft failure following coronary artery bypass surgery due to excessive neointimal hyperplasia.