What Is A Coronary Stent?

A coronary stent is a small, mesh tube that is inserted into a blocked coronary artery to help keep it open. It is used to treat coronary artery disease and chest pain (angina).

Some key points about coronary stents:

- Stents are tiny, expandable metal meshes usually made of stainless steel or other alloys. They come in various shapes and sizes.

- During an angioplasty procedure, a stent is mounted on a balloon catheter and guided to the blocked artery. The balloon is inflated which expands the stent and locks it in place against the artery wall. This holds the artery open.

- The stent stays in the artery permanently, propping it open and improving blood flow to the heart muscle. This can relieve chest pain and reduce the risk of a heart attack.

- Drug-eluting stents are coated with medications that help prevent the artery from becoming blocked again by reducing scar tissue growth.

- While generally safe, risks include blood clots, coronary artery dissection, infection, and restenosis (re-narrowing). Patients typically need to take anti-platelet medications to help prevent blood clots.

- Overall, stents have improved outcomes for many patients with coronary artery disease when combined with lifestyle changes and medications. 

However, artery bypass surgery may still be needed in some cases.