Lake Champlain Cardiology Associates
52 Tom Miller Rd., Plattsburgh, NY 12901  (518) 563-2404
www.lccahearts.com

What is a Stent?

A stent is a tiny wire mesh tube that props open an artery and is left in the artery permanently. 

When an artery is narrowed by deposits of fatty substances (plaque), blood flow is reduced which can result in chest pain.  If a blood clot forms and completely blocks the blood flow to part of the heart muscle, a heart attack results.  Stents can help keep arteries open and sometimes can reduce the risk of a heart attack.

A narrowed artery can be opened by a procedure called an angioplasty.  This involves a balloon tipped tube (called a catheter) that is inserted into an artery and advanced to the area of blockage.  The balloon is then inflated which compresses the fatty buildup (plaque) and opens the narrowed area.  Once the artery has been widened, the balloon is deflated and the catheter is withdrawn.  If a stent is used, it is put over the balloon catheter, expanded and locked in place.

Many factors affect whether a stent can be used – size of the artery and where the blockage is.  In many patients, stents can reduce the risk of renarrowing that can occur after balloon angioplasty.  Stents can also help restore normal blood flow to the heart.

In recent years, doctors have used new types of stents – drug coated stents – that help keep the blood vessel from closing again. 

VERY IMPORTANT:
Patients who’ve had a stent must take blood thinning agents.  Aspirin and Plavix (clopidogrel) are most commonly prescribed.