Stents

Stents are small, expandable tubes that play an integral role in the treatment of narrowed or blocked arteries in the body. They are typically made of metal mesh and are used to treat a variety of conditions, including coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and kidney disease.

History

The concept of stents was first introduced in the late 19th century by a French doctor named Alexis Carrel. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that stents began to be widely used in medical procedures. The first coronary stent was implanted in 1986 by Julio Palmaz and Richard Schatz, two pioneering interventional radiologists.

Types of Stents

There are several types of stents, each designed for a specific purpose. These include:

• Coronary Stents: These are used to open up blocked or narrowed coronary arteries and restore blood flow to the heart.
• Drug-Eluting Stents: These are coated with medication that is slowly released into the artery to prevent the artery from becoming blocked again.
• Bare-Metal Stents: These are not coated with medication and are used in patients who cannot take long-term anti-clotting medications.
• Bioabsorbable Stents: These are made of a material that is gradually absorbed by the body over time.

Procedure

The procedure to implant a stent, known as angioplasty, involves threading a thin tube through a blood vessel to the site of the blockage. Once in place, the stent is expanded to push aside the plaque and open up the artery.

Risks and Complications

While stents can significantly improve blood flow and reduce symptoms, they are not without risks. Potential complications include blood clots, bleeding, infection, and restenosis (the artery becoming narrowed again).

Future Developments

Research is ongoing to develop new types of stents and improve existing ones. This includes the development of stents that can deliver drugs or other treatments directly to the site of the blockage.

Stents Resources
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