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Heart stent placement is a procedure to treat narrow or weak arteries. Stents are tubes that support the inner walls of an artery to keep them open. Stents may be made of metal mesh or fabric. Doctors usually combine heart stent placement with angioplasty. Angioplasty is a catheter procedure to open narrowed or blocked arteries.
Some stents have a coating of medicine that releases over time to help prevent the artery from becoming blocked. These are called drug-eluting stents.
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Stenting is necessary when your arteries are blocked or narrowed by atherosclerotic plaque. This plaque is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other materials found in blood. Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows your arteries, putting you at risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Your doctor will perform a variety of tests to see if you are a good candidate for a stent. These tests include:
You may require other tests like a blood test, chest x-ray, CT scan, or EKG to prepare for your stenting procedure. You will work with your doctor to determine the right course of action for your case.
Doctors may suggest angioplasty and stenting to treat:
There are several types of stents used for this procedure. You and your doctor will discuss which type is best for your specific situation. Examples of stents include:
Angioplasty and stent placement are generally very safe procedures, but there are some possible complications. Complications typically have to do with clotting or bleeding. This can occur where the catheter was inserted or inside the stent. If the stent becomes clogged, it can be very serious.
Other risks include an allergic reaction to the drug used in the drug-eluting stent, stent material, or x-ray dye, damage to heart valves or blood vessels, and infection.
Extreme complications include heart attack, kidney failure, or stroke. These complications are very rare and are often related to pre-existing conditions.
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.