What Is The Difference between A Stent And A Stent Graft?

The main differences between a stent and a stent graft are:

- Material - Stents are typically made of metal or plastic mesh, while stent grafts include a fabric graft material inside or covering the metal stent structure. 

- Purpose - Stents are used to hold open narrow or weakened arteries, while stent grafts are used to repair aneurysms and seal off leakages in artery walls. 

- Placement - Bare stents are placed directly inside an artery, while stent grafts are anchored in place spanning the weakened section of the artery wall. 

- Coverage - Stents alone do not cover the entire circumference of the artery wall, while stent grafts provide a new graft material tube for blood flow. 

- Blockages - Stent grafts are designed to bridge over blockages and damaged areas, while stents alone keep open a narrowed space.  

- Durability - Stent grafts are generally more durable over time compared to stents alone in treating damaged arteries.