Stents

Categories: Health | General Health Care
    • Different types
    • Sometimes made from fabric
    • 70 % of coronary angioplasty procedures also include stenting
    • 1 in 5 chance arteries will reclose within 6 months
    • Also used to treat aneurysm
    • Advantages: Restores normal blood flow, keeps an artery open
    • Disadvantages: The blood vessel can reclose
    • Must take one or more blood-thinning agents
    • Requires the use of more medications for life
    • May increase risk for blood clots
    • Not just for coronary arteries
    • Procedure takes a few hours
    • Hospital stay up to 3 days
    • Not effected by metal detectors

  • A stent is a wire metal mesh tube used to widen an artery during an angioplasty procedure. The stent is collapsed to a very small diameter and put over a balloon catheter. It is then transported to the area of the blockage. When the balloon is inflated, the stent expands, locks itself in place and forms a scaffold. This holds the artery open. The stent stays in the artery permanently, holding it open, and improving blood flow to the heart muscle.

  • Procedure

    The stent procedure eliminates symptoms like chest pain and minimizes changes of heart attack and stroke. Within a few weeks of the stent placement, the inside lining of the artery (endothelium) grows over the metal surface of the stent. During the first few days after stent procedure it is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and help flush out the dye used during the procedure. It is also recommended to refrain from any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Having an MRI is discouraged for up to 6 months after a stent procedure because the magnetic field can possible move the stent.

  • Re-blockage

    Without the use of stents arteries become blocked again in 30% of the cases.

  • Disclaimer

    The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before considering a Stents procedure.

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