Stint

SemipalmSandpiper23

Temminck's Stint AMSM6404 TSTI

AMSM4734 LSTI

Stent is a medical device used to keep passageways, such as arteries or veins, open in the body. Stents are small, tube-shaped devices that are inserted into narrowed or blocked passageways to help keep them open, improving flow through the area. They are commonly used in procedures to treat conditions related to the cardiovascular system, particularly in cases of coronary artery disease (CAD), where they are used to open narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart. Stents can also be used in other parts of the body, such as the bile ducts, ureters, and bronchi.

Types of Stents

There are several types of stents, but the most common include:

• Bare-Metal Stents (BMS): These are made of a metal mesh and were the first type of stents used. They provide support to the vessel but have a higher rate of restenosis, or re-narrowing of the artery.
• Drug-Eluting Stents (DES): These are coated with medication that is slowly released to help prevent the artery from becoming blocked again. They have significantly reduced the risk of restenosis compared to BMS.
• Bioabsorbable Stents: These stents are designed to be absorbed by the body over time, potentially reducing long-term complications associated with permanent stents.

Procedure

The procedure to place a stent, known as angioplasty or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), involves threading a catheter through the vascular system to the site of the blockage. A balloon on the catheter is inflated to widen the artery, and the stent is placed to keep the artery open. The procedure is minimally invasive and is performed under local anesthesia.

Risks and Complications

While stenting is generally safe, there are risks and potential complications, including:

• Reaction to the contrast dye used in the procedure
• Bleeding at the catheter insertion site
• Damage to the blood vessel
• Blood clots forming within the stent
• Restenosis

Aftercare

After a stent placement, patients are usually prescribed medications to prevent blood clots, such as aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs. It is also important for patients to make lifestyle changes to improve their heart health, including diet, exercise, and quitting smoking.

Future Directions

Research continues to improve stent technology, including the development of stents that are more biocompatible and reduce the risk of complications. There is also interest in drug-eluting balloons as an alternative to stents in certain situations.