Cardiac Stents: Minimally Invasive Artery Repair
A cardiac stent, a small mesh tube, is inserted into narrowed or blocked coronary arteries to improve blood flow and prevent heart damage. This procedure, known as angioplasty with stenting, is typically performed in a catheterization lab under local anesthesia.
The stent, made of expandable metal mesh, is inserted via a catheter guided to the affected area. Once in place, a balloon expands the stent, stretching the artery and restoring blood flow. This minimally invasive method is often preferred for patients with one or two blocked arteries, unlike bypass surgery which is usually recommended for more than two blockages.
Following the procedure, patients must take medications to prevent clotting within the stent. Over time, the artery's own tissue merges with the stent's mesh, providing added strength. In some cases, a drug-eluting stent (DES) coated with medication may be used to lower the risk of restenosis, where the artery narrows again. However, there's a risk of scar tissue forming inside the stent, potentially requiring a second procedure.
Stenting can significantly improve blood flow, prevent further heart damage, and alleviate symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Despite its benefits, it carries potential complications like allergic reactions, bleeding, damage to blood vessels or heart, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke. Recovery is generally swift, with patients returning home within a few days, compared to the six weeks or longer required for bypass surgery.
