Stents

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.

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.

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

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

• MedicineNet: Preventing Strokes—Stents vs. Surgery (April 9, 2008)

• The New York Times: In Trial, Drugs Equal Benefits of Artery Stents (March 27, 2007)

• OrbusNeich: Tissue Engineering Meets Coronary Stents (March 2006)

• • This page was created by Kathleen, a Part Time Guide in the Mahalo Greenhouse (see the original), and curated by Cherryl.

• If you'd like to help us create the best spam free search results on the Internet, apply to be a Part Time Guide!</em>