Stent Procedure & Usage

Stent Procedure & Usage:

Understanding the Interventional Procedure in Heart for Coronary Artery Disease

Stent Procedure in Heart

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an ailment affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. It leads to chest pain, shortness of breath, and even heart attack. One of the treatments for CAD is the use of stents. Here, we will explore the use of stents in coronary artery disease, the stent procedure in the heart, and the interventional procedure involved.

What are Stents?

What are Stents?

Stents are small, expandable metal mesh tubes used to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the body, including the coronary arteries. They are designed to hold open the artery walls and improve blood flow to the heart. Stents can be made of different materials, stainless steel or cobalt-chromium, and can be coated with medications to prevent plaque buildup.

Use of Stents in Coronary Artery Disease

Use of Stents in Coronary Artery Disease

The use of stents in coronary artery disease is a common treatment option. Stents treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, which can cause chest pain or angina, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. In some cases, stents are also used during or after a heart attack to help restore blood flow to the heart.

Stent Procedure in Heart

Stent Procedure in Heart

The stent procedure in the heart, narrated as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), treats narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube catheter is made to the artery through the groin or wrist and guided to the blocked artery in the heart. A catheter tip is inflated to widen the artery and improve blood flow. A stent is inserted and placed in the artery to keep it open.

Interventional Procedure

Interventional Procedure

The interventional procedure involved in the stent procedure in the heart is a minimally invasive approach to be performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure is initiated using local anesthesia, and patients are permitted to return home the same day after assessing their normal condition. In some cases, an overnight hospital stay might become mandatory to monitor heart condition and diagnose any side effects coming upfront during the procedure.

The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the case complexity. After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for a few hours to ensure no complications. Most patients can easily resume normal activities within a few days after the procedure.

Risks and Benefits of Stent Procedure

Risks and Benefits of Stent Procedure

Like any medical procedure, the stent procedure in heart comes with risks and benefits. Some of the benefits of the stent procedure include improved blood flow to the heart, relief of chest pain, and reduced risk of heart attack. However, there are also risks associated with the procedure, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to the artery. In rare cases, stents can also become blocked or move out of place, requiring additional procedures or surgery.

Using stents in coronary artery disease is a common treatment option that can help improve blood flow to the heart and relieve symptoms. The stent procedure in the heart, known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is minimally invasive to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. While the procedure comes with risks, it is generally safe and effective, and most patients can resume normal activities within a few days after the procedure. If you’re diagnosed with coronary artery disease, talk to your doctor about whether the stent procedure may be a good treatment option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a stent, and how is it used to treat coronary artery disease?

A stent is an expandable metal mesh tube to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels, including coronary arteries. It is designed to hold open the artery walls and improve blood flow to the heart. The stent gets placed in the blocked artery during a stent procedure or coronary angioplasty, an interventional procedure used to treat coronary artery disease.


What is the stent procedure in heart, and how is it performed?

The stent procedure in the heart, known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries effectively. During the procedure, a thin catheter gets inserted into an artery through the groin or wrist and guided to the blocked artery in the heart. A small balloon at the catheter’s tip gets inflated to help widen the artery and improve blood flow.


What are the risks and benefits of the stent procedure in heart?

Like any medical procedure, the stent procedure in heart comes with both risks and benefits. Some of the benefits of the stent procedure include improved blood flow to the heart, relief of chest pain, and reduced risk of heart attack. However, there are also risks associated with the procedure, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to the artery. In rare cases, stents can also become blocked or move out of place, requiring additional procedures or surgery.


Is the stent procedure in heart painful?

The stent procedure in the heart is usually performed under local anesthesia, meaning the patient is made awake during the procedure but does not feel pain. However, patients may experience some discomfort or pressure during the procedure. During this, the patients may experience soreness or discomfort at the site where the catheter was inserted.


Can the stent procedure in the heart be done on an outpatient basis?

Yes, the stent procedure in the heart is performed within a specified timeline, and the patient may make their way home the same day as the procedure. However, some patients may need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation.

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Sources:

1. Max Healthcare: https://www.maxhealthcare.in/blogs/heart-health/stent-procedure-heart-disease
2. Apollo Hospitals: https://www.apollohospitals.com/lets-talk-health/heart-blocks-and-stenting
3. Fortis Healthcare: https://www.fortishealthcare.com/india/clinical-speciality/cardiac-sciences/stenting-52
4. Medanta: https://www.medanta.org/patient-education-blog/angioplasty-and-stent-placement
5. Narayana Health: https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/coronary-stenting-angioplasty-a-brief-overview

Disclaimer: The information presented by Boston Scientific Corporation is for educational purposes only and does not recommend self-management of health issues. The information should not be treated as comprehensive and does not intend to provide diagnosis, treatment or any medical advice. Individual results may vary and hence, it is advisable to consult your doctor regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.

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