What is a Stent?
A stent is a small mesh tube inserted into a narrowed or blocked blood vessel or duct to keep it open. Stents are commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as coronary artery disease, kidney stones, and gastrointestinal obstructions.
Types of Stents
- Coronary Stents
- Peripheral Stents
- Ureteral Stents
How Stents Work
Stents work by providing support to the walls of the blood vessel or duct, preventing them from collapsing or narrowing again. This allows for improved blood flow or passage of fluids.
Benefits of Stents
- Relieve symptoms
- Prevent complications
- Improve quality of life
Case Study: Coronary Stent
John, a 55-year-old man, experienced chest pain due to a blockage in his coronary artery. He underwent a coronary stent procedure, which successfully restored blood flow to his heart muscle, relieving his symptoms and improving his overall health.
Statistics
According to the American Heart Association, over 1 million people in the United States undergo stent procedures each year.
