Stents are small, wire mesh tubes that are inserted into narrow or clogged blood vessels to help keep them open. They are commonly used to treat narrowed or clogged arteries in the heart, although they can also be used in other parts of the body.

This article will provide an overview of stents, including why they are used, how they work and what patients need to know.

What are Stents?

A stent is a tiny tube made of metal or plastic mesh that is used to hold open narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Stents are inserted into the body using a catheter, which is a long, thin tube with a balloon on the end.

The catheter is inserted into a blood vessel through a small incision in the skin. The balloon at the end of the catheter is then inflated, which opens up the stent and holds it in place. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place.

Why are Stents Used?

Stents are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:.

Coronary artery disease: Stents are commonly used to treat narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart, which can cause chest pain (angina) or heart attack. The goal of stenting is to improve blood flow to the heart muscle.
Peripheral artery disease: Stents can also be used to treat narrowed or blocked arteries in other parts of the body, such as the legs or arms. This can improve circulation and reduce pain.
Kidney stones: In some cases, stents may be placed in the ureter (the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder) to help urine flow and reduce pain caused by kidney stones.
Bile duct obstruction: Stents may also be used to help keep bile ducts open in people with tumors or other obstructions.

Types of Stents

There are several types of stents, including:.

Coronary stents: These are designed to open up clogged arteries in the heart and are the most commonly used type of stent.
Peripheral stents: These are used to treat narrowed or blocked arteries in other parts of the body, such as the legs or arms.
Ureteral stents: These are placed in the ureter to help urine flow and reduce pain caused by kidney stones.
Biliary stents: These are used to help keep the bile ducts open in people with tumors or other obstructions.

How do Stents Work?

Stents work by holding open narrowed or blocked blood vessels, which improves blood flow. This can reduce chest pain (angina) in people with coronary artery disease or improve circulation and reduce pain in people with peripheral artery disease.

Stents can also help keep bile ducts or ureters open, which can reduce pain and other symptoms.

Stents are made of metal or plastic mesh and are designed to be left in place permanently. Over time, the body’s natural tissue grows around the stent, which helps hold it in place and keep the blood vessel open.

The Stent Procedure

The stent procedure is done in a hospital or clinic and usually takes around an hour. Before the procedure, patients are given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted.

In some cases, patients may also be given medication to help them relax.

During the procedure, the doctor makes a small incision in the skin and inserts a catheter into a blood vessel. The catheter is guided to the location of the blockage using X-ray or ultrasound imaging.

Once the catheter is in place, a small balloon is inflated to open up the blockage. The stent is then inserted and expanded using the same balloon.

After the stent is in place, the balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place permanently. Patients are usually able to go home the same day or the following day and can resume normal activities within a few days.

Risks and Complications

Like any medical procedure, the stent procedure carries some risks. These include:.

Bleeding or bruising at the site of the incision
Infection
Allergic reaction to the stent material
Blockage of the stent, which may require another procedure
Damage to the blood vessels or surrounding tissue

It’s important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of the stent procedure with their doctor before undergoing the procedure.

What Patients Need to Know

If a patient is scheduled to have a stent procedure, there are several things they should do to prepare:.

Inform the doctor of any medications they are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies.
Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital or clinic.
Follow any instructions provided by the doctor, such as when to stop eating or drinking before the procedure.
Discuss any concerns or questions with the doctor before the procedure.

After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort or pain at the site of the incision. They should follow any instructions provided by the doctor, such as taking pain medication or keeping the incision site clean and dry.

Conclusion

Stents are a common medical treatment used to open up narrowed or blocked blood vessels. They are commonly used to treat coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease, although they can also be used in other parts of the body.

Patients who are scheduled to have a stent procedure should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor and prepare accordingly. With proper care and monitoring, stents can help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms caused by blocked or narrowed blood vessels.