Stents

What are stents?

A stent is a thin, stainless-steel mesh tube that goes into the wall of your artery during an angioplasty procedure.

The stent keeps the vessel open, so blood can flow through properly. Stents can reduce your risk of developing blood clots that can form in your coronary artery. This major vessel supplies blood to your heart.

Stents can also be inserted into the blood vessels of your leg to improve blood circulation. Leg stents can also prevent blood clots, varicose veins, and other side effects of poor circulation.

Why would I need stents?

Your doctor will consider stents as a possible treatment if you have narrowing or blockages in your arteries. The Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC team could recommend stent placement if you have:

• Coronary heart disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Carotid artery disease

You might need stents to prevent an aneurysm in your abdomen. An aneurysm is a weak spot, often a bulge, in the wall of an artery that can rupture and lead to a life-threatening emergency.

Stents are also a treatment for heart attacks. The team can place the stents during emergency surgery to quickly open a blocked artery and reduce damage to your heart.

How are stents placed?

If you need stents to treat or prevent a heart or vascular condition, the surgeons at Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC insert them using an angioplasty.

During the angioplasty, they insert a small, thin catheter tube into the blocked blood vessel. A tiny balloon is attached to the catheter. The surgeon inflates the balloon to widen the vessel and create space to place the stent.

Once the stent is in position, it remains in your blood vessel to support efficient blood circulation. Many stents have a coating of medication to help keep your artery open.

After your surgery is done, you should expect to spend a night in the hospital, so the team can monitor your heart function and make adjustments to your medications. You may need a week of downtime after your angioplasty to rest before you resume your usual activities.

Call Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC to schedule a diagnostic evaluation or book an appointment online today to find out if you’re a candidate for stents.