Stents

A stent is a mesh-like cylinder that provides scaffolding to keep arteries open after blockages have been removed. A stent is a mesh-like metal cylinder. A medicated stent is coated with medicine that decreases scar formation on the stent, which decreases the risk of the artery re-narrowing (restenosis).

How do stents work?

Stents are placed during a PTCA (angioplasty) procedure. Inside the artery, a balloon is inflated and deflated several times, compressing plaque against the artery wall and widening the artery so blood flow improves. This balloon-tipped catheter is removed, and a separate balloon-tipped catheter, with a medicated stent attached, is advanced to the area that was just opened. The balloon is inflated, expanding the medicated stent into the inner layer of the artery. The balloon is removed, but the medicated stent stays in place, acting as a scaffold to keep the artery open. The inner lining of the artery will heal around the stent. The medication on the stent decreases scarring in the blood vessel, helping to keep the artery open.