Stent Placement

Cardiology Services on the West Bank

A stent is a small mesh tube made of stainless steel that is placed into blood vessels to prevent blood clots. Stenting is usually recommended for patients with severe cases of atherosclerosis- a common condition that describes plaque buildup in the arteries. When plaque builds in the arteries, it makes it difficult for blood to flow and increases the likelihood of a blot clot. Blood clots are very serious and could result in life threatening conditions like a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that they are preventable.

Angioplasty

Before a stent is placed in the artery, a minimally invasive procedure called angioplasty must be performed. In this surgery, a catheter with a small balloon on the tip is placed into the plaque infested artery. The balloon is then inflated to push back the plaque and expand the artery walls. With that done, the surgeon then inserts the stent to keep the artery wide open.

Angioplasty can be done through a single incision thanks to small, flexible cameras that can be inserted in the body which allow the surgeon to view inside of the arteries on a nearby monitor. These procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning you should be free to return home only a few hours afterward.

After the procedure

If atherosclerosis reached a point where stenting was necessary, chances are other arteries will clog too if lifestyle and dietary changes aren’t made. You can work with one of our experienced cardiac rehabilitation professionals to build a customized plan for clearing out your artery plaque.