A stent is a small metal coil or mesh tube that is placed in a narrowed artery through a catheter (a long, thin tube) to help improve blood flow to your heart. The stent permanently holds the passageway open and helps reduce the rate of restenosis, renarrowing of the artery.
During the surgical procedure, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery. This is used to move instruments through the artery to put the stent in place. Here is information about the procedure.
Discharge Instructions for Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting
During an angioplasty, a health care provider inflates a tiny balloon inside a blocked blood vessel to allow blood to flow. The provider may also insert a stent in the blocked vessel to help the vessel stay open. Read on to learn how to care for yourself after the procedure.
