In today’s era, all angioplasty procedures are performed using coronary stents. A stent is a little metal mesh coil that can be expanded that is inserted into the newly opened region of the artery, helping the artery from narrowing and closing again. Stenting is the process of inserting a stent into the body. Most of the stents are made up of metal or plastic with mesh-like substances. Stent grafts, however, are composed of cloth as they are used in larger arteries.
Coronary artery stents are inserted into coronary arteries after balloon angioplasty, which does not allow the closure of the artery again due to the insertion of a stent. A medication is coated on a drug-eluting stent, which helps in preventing the arteries from reclosing. It is placed in the artery permanently, just like other coronary artery stents.
Why are Stents required?
Stents are mainly required if the plaques block the blood vessels. Plaques are fatty substances that accumulate in the walls of the arteries, reducing the blood flow to the heart. This condition is known as coronary heart disease, which results in chest pain. Plaque formation may also result in causing blood clots while blocking the blood flow to the heart, leading to a heart attack. Hence, the use of a stent helps in reducing the risk of chest pain by keeping the artery open.
Stents can also be used in emergency conditions, mainly during the emergency procedure of blockage of coronary arteries. A catheter is engaged into the proximal part of the blocked artery, which later allows the procedure of balloon angioplasty to open the blockage. Later, a stent is placed within the artery to keep the vessel open. Stents have also been used to keep aneurysms in the brain, aorta, and other blood vessels from rupturing.
What usually happens during Stenting?
The stent, which surrounds the balloon at the catheter’s tip, is guided through the artery to the blockage. The balloon is inflated near the blockage, whereas the spring-like stent expands and is placed into a fixed position inside the artery. To know more about Stent treatment, consult with our Cardiologists in Vijayawada.
The stents are permanently fixed into the artery to keep the artery open and improve the blood flow rate towards the heart. The use of more than one stent is required in very few cases to clear any blockage in the artery. The balloon catheter is deflated and later taken out after the stent is inserted in place within the artery. More x-rays are obtained in the form of angiograms to examine the blood flow through the enlarged artery. After the stent is inserted into the artery, the doctor prescribes aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel to reduce the chances of blood clots forming on the stent.
Precautions after Stenting Procedure
Taking precautions after stenting lowers the risk of undergoing any further stenting procedures. Manipal Hospitals are providing Stent Placement Treatment in Vijayawada with top-notch precautionary measures. Some of the preventive measures after stenting are illustrated below:
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The region where the insertion of sheath was made should be kept dry for at least 24–48 hours.
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Any contamination near the sheath insertion region should be monitored. Warm or red spots or any other drainage, if observed near the insertion region, should be immediately checked for medical help.
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Monitor for any bleeding near the insertion region or changes in the color or pain and warm sensations at the spot.
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If any bleeding is observed near the insertion region, the patient should lie down immediately in a flat position and pressure should be applied on the spot. Immediate medical help should be given to the patient.
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Intake plenty of water.
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Avoid lifting heavy weights.
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Avoid strengthening and exhausting exercises. The patients are recommended to carry out moderate exercises such as walking on a plain surface.
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Sexual activities should be avoided for at least one week.
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Taking the medications at the appropriate time.
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Intake of a healthy diet
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Undergoing regular follow-ups
Consultant- Cardiology
Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada
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