What is a Stent?

A stent is a small, mesh-like tube designed toke ep arteries open. It is commonly used to treat narrow or blocked coronary arteries, helping restore proper blood flow to the heart. (1)

What Does a Stent Look Like?

A stent resembles a small cylindrical mesh, typically around 1.5-2 cm in length; although some models may go up to 5 cm. Itis about 2 to 5 mm in diameter and is usually made of metal, although other materials may be used for certain types of stents. (1) 

Why Would You Need a Stent?

Stents are typically placed if there is a significant blockage in a coronary artery (about 70% blocked), which helps restore blood flow to the heart and ease symptoms of recurrent angina, like chest pain and shortness of breath. (2)

In general, a stent may be necessary in these situations: (3)

• Severe angina: When medications alone are not enough to relieve chest pain.
• Heart attack: As an emergency treatment during a heart attack.

What Are the Advantages of a Stent?

The benefits of angioplasty and stenting can include: (3) 

• Relief from angina symptoms: It can significantly reduce or even eliminate chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
• Increased energy and activity: With improved blood flow, patients often find they can perform daily activities and exercise more easily.
• Lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.

What Are the Types of Stents?

There are 3 main types of stents: (2)

• Metal stents: The simplest and oldest type, made from metals (like nickel, titanium, stainless steel, cobalt).
• Drug-eluting stents: These stents are coated with medication to help prevent the artery from narrowing again.
• Biodegradable stents: Temporary stents that gradually dissolve on their own over several months, leaving no permanent implant in the artery.

How is a Stent Inserted?

Stents are placed during a procedure called a coronary angioplasty, usually done in a catheterization lab, and it takes about an hour. (4)

Here’s how it works: (4)

• The patient receives a mild sedative and a local anesthetic, so they stay awake but won’t remember the procedure.
• A hollow tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in the groin or wrist, guided by X-rays to the blocked artery.
• A thin wire with a small balloon and a folded stent is threaded through the catheter to the blockage.
• Once the stent is in the right place, the balloon is inflated, expanding the stent against the artery walls toke ep it open.
• The catheter, balloon, and wire are removed, leaving the stent in place inside the artery.

Recovery After Stent Placement

Most patients can go home on the same day or the following and can usually resume regular daily activities in a couple of days. However, those who’ve had a heart attack may take longer to recover. (3) 

It’s important to check the insertion site for any issues after the procedure. Mild pain and bruising are normal, but you should contact your doctor if you experience: (3)

• Severe pain.
• Swelling or redness.
• Worsening bruising.
• Discharge or pus.
• Fever.

Medications After Stent Placement

Most patients will need two types of blood thinners to reduce the risk of clots forming in or around the stent; these include aspirin and other anti platelet (like Plavix) for 6-12 months and sometimes longer. A cholesterol-lowering medication is usually prescribed as well. (3)(4)

Dr .Soliman Fakeeh Hospital boasts one of the Kingdom's most advanced cardiac catheterization units, offering a comprehensive range of diagnostic and the rapeutic services. 

What Are the Risks of Stents?

Common complications include: (3) 

• Bleeding, bruising, or infection at the catheter insertion site (wrist or groin).
• Blood clots inside the stent, which is why prescribed blood thinners are essential.

In rare cases, other possible complications include: (3)

• Damage to the coronary arteryduring the operation.
• Complications such as a heart attack or stroke during or after the procedure.
• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during the procedure.

How Long Does a Stent Last?

Stents are permanent, except for the dissolvable types. (4)

While they help prevent blockage, they don’t guarantee that the artery won’t narrow again at the same place or somewhere else, that’s why regular check-ups with your doctor are important.

Re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis)typically happens within the first 6 months and affects less than 10% ofpatients with drug-eluting stents, compared to around 15% with older metal stents. (4) 

You can lower the chance of needing more stents by taking prescribed medications, quitting smoking, and managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. (4) 

References

1. Cleveland Clinic - Stent
2. American Heart Association - What Is a Stent?
3. BHF - Coronary angioplasty and stents (PCI)
4. UpToDate - Patient education: Stenting for the heart (Beyond the Basics)