Heart stent

A stent is a tiny wire mesh tube used to prop open an artery permanently. An artery often becomes narrow due to a buildup of plaque, leading to reduced blood flow and chest pain. If a clot forms around the plaque buildup, the artery can become completely blocked and lead to a heart attack.

Heart stents are the solution to this problem, keeping arteries held open and reducing the risk of stroke. The process of placing a stent is called angioplasty, in which a catheter is inserted to place the stent in the heart, neck, or legs—wherever the clogged artery is.

• Improves blood flow
• Reduces symptoms of heart disease
• May eliminate the need for coronary bypass surgery
• Less invasive
• Shorter recovery time

• Blood clots
• Bleeding from the catheter
• Coronary artery damage
• Kidney problems
• Stroke
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Heart attack

• A bare-metal stent is thin, mesh-like wiring used in patients who might be allergic to the drug coating.
• A drug-eluting stent is coated with medication that reduces the risk of the artery becoming blocked again.