First of all, let’s see what a stent is: coronary stents are medical devices that are used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. They are typically made of nitinol, a nickel‑titanium alloy, or other special alloys such as stainless steel (316L) and are designed to be placed inside the affected artery to help keep it open and improve blood flow to the heart. Stenting is a common procedure that is used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), which is a leading cause of heart attacks.
The use of stents in clinical practice is now widespread, in several cases cardiovascular problems, which require the application of a stent, are discovered by chance during routine analysis and the application of a stent is practised in non-urgency contexts. The technique of applying a stent is well explained in many sites that are explicitly dedicated to this topic, in my case the article is of a general nature. My advice is to consult a specialist doctor, of course!
In this article I try to answer some of the main questions and concerns that many patients have when they have to undergo an operation of this type.
Fist of all, let’s say that modern stents are smaller, more flexible, and more biocompatible than ever before, which allows them to be used in a wider range of patients and to be more effective at improving blood flow to the heart. Some newer stents also have drug-eluting coatings that can help to prevent the re-narrowing of the artery after the stent is implanted.
In addition to traditional metal stents, there are also newer types of stents that are made from materials such as biodegradable polymers or absorbable metals. These types of stents are designed to dissolve or be absorbed by the body over time, which may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as stent restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery).
Overall, the state of the art in coronary stenting continues to evolve and improve, with new technologies and approaches being developed all the time.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
Let’s dive into a coronary stent surgery, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery stenting.
PCI is used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. The goal of the surgery is to improve blood flow to the heart and reduce the risk of heart attacks or other complications of coronary artery disease (CAD).
During the procedure, a small incision is made in the patient’s skin, typically in the groin or wrist, and a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery. The catheter is guided through the artery and into the affected coronary artery using x-ray imaging. Once the catheter is in place, a small wire mesh stent is expanded inside the artery to help keep it open and improve blood flow.
Coronary stent surgery is typically performed by a cardiologist and is usually done on an outpatient basis. It is a minimally invasive procedure that carries a low risk of complications and typically results in a faster recovery time than more traditional open-heart surgery.
How long does a coronary stent last?
This is a legitimate question!
Many patients have two main concerns: The first is that the stent moves! And it’s a real concern for heart surgeons too! After the operation, the patient undergoes a series of periodic checks in order to verify if the stent has remained in position! And the second concern is having to do the operation again. Unfortunately this option can also occur, perhaps not immediately but it is possible that the patient will have to undergo a second operation. Not in all cases the stent remains in position and for this reason accurate checks are needed.
The lifespan of a coronary stent can vary depending on several factors, including the type of stent that was used, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions. In general, most coronary stents are designed to be permanent, meaning that they are intended to remain in place indefinitely.
Stents can sometimes become blocked again due to the re-narrowing of the artery, a condition known as restenosis. This can occur as a result of scar tissue formation, inflammation, or other factors. If restenosis occurs, it may be necessary to undergo additional treatment to address the issue.
In order to help ensure the long-term success of a coronary stent, it is important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations for medication and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and following a healthy diet and exercise routine. These measures can help to reduce the risk of restenosis and other complications.
Do stents prevent heart attacks?
Coronary stents can be an effective treatment for reducing the risk of heart attacks in some individuals but it impossible to give a 100% yes answer to this question. Placing a stent inside the affected artery helps to improve blood flow to the heart and can reduce the risk of heart attacks or other complications of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Stenting is not a substitute for lifestyle changes!
Medication that may be recommended by a doctor to reduce the risk of heart attacks and lifestyle changes are crucial steps to improve the quality of your life after a stent implantation.Quitting smoking, following a healthy diet and exercise routine, and taking prescribed medications as directed, can help to further reduce the risk of heart attacks and other complications.
Is a stent or bypass better?
Both coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and coronary stenting are commonly used treatments for coronary artery disease (CAD), which is a leading cause of heart attacks. The choice of treatment will depend on several factors, including the specific needs of the patient, the severity of the CAD, and the presence of any other underlying medical conditions.
Coronary artery bypass surgery, also known as bypass surgery or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is a more invasive procedure in which a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body is used to create a bypass around the blocked or narrowed coronary artery. This can help to improve blood flow to the heart and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Bypass surgery is typically recommended for individuals with more severe CAD or who have multiple blocked arteries.
Coronary stenting, on the other hand, is a less invasive procedure in which a small wire mesh stent is placed inside the affected artery to help keep it open and improve blood flow. Stenting is usually recommended for individuals with less severe CAD or who have only one or two blocked arteries.
Ultimately, the decision of which treatment is best will depend on the specific needs of the patient and should be made in consultation with a doctor or other healthcare provider.
What are the disadvantages of stents?
While coronary stenting is a commonly used and generally safe treatment for narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, there are some potential disadvantages to consider. These may include:
- Stenting is not a permanent solution: While stents are generally effective at improving blood flow to the heart and reducing the risk of heart attacks or other complications, they are not a permanent solution. Stents can sometimes become blocked again due to the re-narrowing of the artery, a condition known as restenosis. If restenosis occurs, it may be necessary to undergo additional treatment to address the issue.
- Risk of complications: Like any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications with stenting, although the risk is generally low. Possible complications may include bleeding, infection, or damage to the artery or surrounding tissue.
- Limited options for certain individuals: In some cases, stenting may not be a suitable treatment option for certain individuals, such as those with very small or very large arteries, or those who have previously undergone stenting or bypass surgery. In these cases, alternative treatments may need to be considered.
How my life will be after a coronary stent implantation?
The impact of a coronary stent on a person’s quality of life will depend on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the severity of their coronary artery disease (CAD), and the presence of any other underlying medical conditions. In general, however, most people who undergo coronary stenting experience significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life after the procedure.
The goal of coronary stenting is to improve blood flow to the heart and reduce the risk of heart attacks or other complications of CAD. By successfully achieving this goal, most people experience a significant reduction in symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue, which can greatly improve their quality of life.
Parameters to consider before undergoing a stent implantation
Several blood parameters will be considered in the case of stent implantation, in order to have a clear image of the situation, let’s have a look at them:
- Haemoglobin: This is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. It is important to have sufficient levels of haemoglobin to ensure that the body’s tissues are getting enough oxygen.
- White blood cell count: This measures the number of white blood cells in the blood. White blood cells are important for fighting infection and inflammation.
- Platelet count: This measures the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are responsible for helping the blood to clot and stop bleeding.
- Blood clotting time: This measures how long it takes for the blood to clot. It is important to ensure that the blood is clotting properly to prevent bleeding after the stent implantation.
- Blood pressure: High blood pressure can increase the risk of complications after stent implantation, so it is important to keep blood pressure under control.
- Kidney function: The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining overall health and it is important to ensure that they are functioning properly before undergoing a stent implantation.
- Cholesterol levels: High levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of complications after stent implantation, so it is important to keep cholesterol levels under control.
If you are concerned that your values may be out of range and that this could be a problem, here are some general pointers. Your doctor will then decide, of course! Here are the typical minimum and maximum values for the blood parameters that may be considered in the case of a stent implantation:
- Haemoglobin: The normal range for haemoglobin is generally considered to be between 13.5 and 17.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for men and 12.0 and 15.5 g/dL for women.
- White blood cell count: The normal range for white blood cell count is generally considered to be between 4,500 and 10,000 cells per microliter (cells/mcL).
- Platelet count: The normal range for platelet count is generally considered to be between 150,000 and 450,000 cells per microliter (cells/mcL).
- Blood clotting time: The normal range for blood clotting time is generally considered to be between 9 and 14 seconds.
- Blood pressure: The normal range for blood pressure is generally considered to be below 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
- Kidney function: The normal range for kidney function, as measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), is generally considered to be above 60 milliliters per minute (mL/min).
- Cholesterol levels: The normal range for cholesterol levels is generally considered to be below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
These ranges may vary depending on the specific laboratory that is conducting the test and the specific method used to measure the parameter. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for more specific information about what is considered normal for an individual.
Is my stent working properly?
The clinical success of a stent implantation is generally evaluated based on the ability of the stent to improve blood flow through a narrowed or blocked artery. This is typically assessed using various diagnostic tests, such as angiography or non-invasive imaging tests, to determine the degree of blood flow improvement after the stent is implanted.
Some common complications of stent implantation include bleeding, infection, and damage to the artery or surrounding tissue. It is always important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of stent implantation with a healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.
In general, stent implantation is considered to be a very effective treatment for improving blood flow in narrowed or blocked arteries.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is not and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before making any changes to your diet, exercise or treatment, always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional.
The guidance provided may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Never make any decisions about your health based solely on the information provided in this article.
The author and creator of this article are not responsible for any damage or loss resulting from the improper use of the information presented here. Remember that each person is unique and therefore needs a personalized approach to health.
If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a qualified medical professional.