Coronary stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. A small metal mesh tube called a stent is placed inside the artery to help keep it open and restore blood flow to the heart muscle.
This procedure is commonly performed during a cardiac catheterization or angioplasty procedure and can quickly relieve symptoms such as chest pain (angina).
Your cardiologist may recommend a stent if:
During the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the wrist or groin and guided to the heart. A small balloon is inflated to open the blocked artery, and the stent is placed to keep the artery open.
Most procedures take about one hour and patients often return home the same or next day.
Following coronary stenting, medications are usually prescribed to prevent blood clots from forming inside the stent. Lifestyle changes and ongoing medical care help ensure the long-term success of the procedure.
