oSTENTacious STENTS

Now we've piqued your interest in stents. Here is a brief summary of these amazing miniature devices.

What is a stent?
It is an expandable wire mesh tube that is inserted into an artery narrowed by plaque. Once inserted, it can expand and hold open the artery, allowing the blood to flow through. Stents are often latticed and made from a metal, and come in a variety of textures and sizes.

When is it used?
Stents may be recommended for individuals with peripheral arterial disease and coronary artery disease, and recently carotid artery disease. Stents are also used in narrowed kidney arteries and for abdominal aortic aneurysms. They are used most frequently in blockages that are very hard or long. The decision whether a stent procedure is best for you is based on the size, extent, and location of the blocked artery, and other blockages in the affected area.

How is the procedure completed?
Inserting a stent requires no major incision. Loaded on a balloon catheter, the stent is threaded through a tiny nick in the skin of the upper thigh through the major artery in the groin, and then slid up into the blocked area of the artery. As the balloon inflates, the stent expands and is pressed against the artery wall. The balloon is deflated and removed, but the stent remains permanently to keep the artery open for blood flow.

Are there any complications?
Sometimes the artery will narrow again at the site of the stent. This is called restenosis and occurs approximately 20 percent of the time within six months of the procedure. There is also a slim chance of blood clot formation blocking the artery in the first three weeks. Medications may be prescribed to reduce the risk of clot formation.