In patients with coronary heart disease, caused by the buildup of plaque, stents are used to open narrowed arteries and help reduce symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or to help treat a heart attack.

These stents are commonly called heart stents or cardiac stents or coronary stents. The stent is usually a stainless steel mesh tube that is available in various sizes to match the size of the artery and hold it open after the blockage in the artery has been treated, which are implanted in narrowed coronary arteries during a procedure called a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or angioplasty.

A coronary stent also called atherosclerosis; coronary artery disease is a build-up of fatty matter and debris on the walls of the arteries. Over time, this buildup narrows the arteries and reduces blood supply to the heart.

The Stent Procedure:
The stent is mounted onto a tiny balloon that is opened inside of a coronary artery to push back plaque and to restore blood flow. After the plaque is compressed against the arterial wall, the stent is fully expanded into position, acting as miniature "scaffolding" for the artery. The balloon is then deflated and removed, and the stent is left behind in the patient’s coronary artery to help keep the blood vessel open. For some patients it may be necessary to place more than one stent in the coronary artery, depending on the length of the blockage.

Stent procedures have an advantage over angioplasty alone, because stents provide permanent structural support to help prevent the coronary artery from re-narrowing (also known as restenosis), although restenosis may still occur.

Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of coronary artery disease is made after the patient's medical history is carefully reviewed, a physical exam is performed and the patient's symptoms are evaluated. Tests used to diagnose coronary artery disease include:
• Stress tests
• Electrocardiogram
• Cardiac catheterization
• Blood tests to measure blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and other substances
• Imaging tests such as a chest X-ray, echocardiography, or computed tomography (CT)

Complications Associated with Inserting a Stent:
Any surgical procedure carries risks. Inserting a stent may require accessing arteries of the heart or brain. This leads to an increased risk of adverse effects.
The risks associated with stenting include:
• A heart attack
• Kidney problems
• Bleeding, blood clots
• A blockage of the artery
• An infection of the vessel
• A re-narrowing of the artery
• An allergic reaction to medications or dyes used in the procedure
• Breathing problems due to anesthesia or using a stent in the bronchi

How Coronary Stenting can be Beneficial?
Stenting, like angioplasty, is a minimally invasive alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Because of this, there is a lower risk of complications than in CABG. Patients are typically able to leave the hospital the next day – a much shorter recovery than after CABG surgery. After getting a stent, people can often return to their normal activities quickly. In addition, with stenting:
• Can reduce the risk of stroke
• Reduce heart muscle damage
• You don't need major surgery
• Major complications are uncommon
• Can improve functioning of the kidneys
• Most patients do not require general anesthesia
• Reduces symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue
• Restore blood flow to the legs to prevent gangrene and eliminate the need for amputation

Seek counsel from our Cardiology Doctor in Houston if you suspect you are suffering from chest pain and let our doctors provide best treatment options for you.

Visit us at: www.advancedcardiodr.com |Call on: +1 281-866-7701.