A stent is a small, wire mesh tube that is inserted into a narrowed or blocked artery to help keep it open. Stent placement is a common procedure used to treat coronary artery disease, a condition where plaque buildup narrows the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
When is Stent Placement Performed?
Stent placement is often performed during an angioplasty procedure. It is used to:
- Treat stable angina: Chest pain that occurs during physical activity or stress.
- Treat unstable angina: Chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion.
- Treat heart attacks: A blockage in a coronary artery that causes heart muscle damage.
The Stent Placement Procedure
- Angioplasty: A thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and threaded to the blocked coronary artery. A small balloon is inflated at the blockage to open the artery.
- Stent Placement: After the artery is opened, a stent is inserted into the artery and expanded. The stent helps to keep the artery open and prevent it from narrowing again.
- Closure of Incision: The incision made to insert the catheter is typically closed with a bandage.
Types of Stents
- Bare-metal stents (BMS): These are made of metal and do not have any coating.
- Drug-eluting stents (DES): These stents are coated with a drug that helps to prevent the growth of tissue inside the stent, reducing the risk of restenosis (narrowing of the artery).
Recovery from Stent Placement
Recovery from stent placement is generally shorter than recovery from open-heart surgery. Patients may be able to go home the same day or the next day.
Risks and Complications
Stent placement is a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications. However, potential risks include:
- Bleeding: Bleeding at the insertion site.
- Blood clots: A blood clot can form in the artery, blocking blood flow.
- Heart attack: A heart attack can occur if the blockage is not successfully opened.
- Stroke: A stroke can occur if a blood clot dislodges and travels to the brain.
Stent placement is a safe and effective procedure for many patients with coronary artery disease. If you are considering stent placement, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
