Modelling and simulating the dynamics of in-stent restenosis in porcine coronary arteries

The results highlighted in this thesis show the importance of iterative model development in parallel with analysis and interpretation of biological data. It is clear that the mathematical models presented in this thesis that were used to model the process of in-stent restenosis (ISR) have been able to point to key aspects in the response for which little experimental data exists. Considering the initial response; does ISR initially start due to damage of the intima which activates the medial SMCs to migrate through the IEL into the lumen where they proliferate? Considering the final stage of the response; the appearance of a healthy functional endothelium seems to be the key. Simulations further suggest that the time scales at which a healthy endothelium is established may be significant in determining if ISR appears or not. All these hypotheses require more detailed experimentation within either animal models or controlled ex vivo environments. We believe that a close interplay between mathematical modelling and new in vivo and in vitro techniques is required to significantly improve our understanding of ISR.