Lumenectomy material is tested to determine the efficacy of a test drug in a patient population having a cardiovascular condition. The material is removed from at least a first and a second patient and tested for one or more markers of a cardiovascular condition. The first patient is administered the test drug, and the second patient is administered a placebo. At a later date, more lumenectomy material is removed and tested for the same marker or markers. The presence, absence or amount of the markers is compared in the first patient receiving the drug and the second patient receiving the placebo to determine whether the drug is effective in the patient population. The drugs tested include drugs believed to be effective in treating a cardiovascular condition. The markers used can include any marker that can indicate the effectiveness of the drug being tested.
