Cardiac stents are small, mesh-like tubes used to keep arteries open in the heart. They play a crucial role in treating coronary artery disease, a condition where the arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. When blood flow to the heart is restricted, it can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, and other serious cardiovascular issues.
During a procedure called angioplasty, a stent is inserted into the blocked artery using a balloon catheter. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, expanding the stent and pressing the plaque against the artery walls. The stent remains in the artery permanently, ensuring it stays open and blood can flow freely.
Stents are important because they help restore proper blood flow, reduce symptoms like chest pain, and prevent heart attacks. They also improve the quality of life for patients by reducing the need for more invasive surgery like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). With advancements in stent technology, including drug-eluting stents that release medication to prevent re-narrowing of the artery, patient outcomes have significantly improved.
