How Stents Restore and Maintain Coronary Artery Health

When an angiogram detects narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, stents are vital in restoring proper blood flow to the heart. Here's an overview of their function:

Stent Placement:

• A stent is a small mesh tube, typically made of metal like stainless steel or cobalt-chromium alloy.
• After the artery is widened during angioplasty, the stent is inserted to keep the artery open.
• The stent acts as a scaffold, maintaining the artery’s openness and preventing it from narrowing again.

Tissue Integration:

• Over time, heart tissue grows around the stent.
• Most stents are coated with medication to prevent excessive tissue growth, ensuring the artery remains open long-term.

Benefits:

• Stents enhance blood flow, alleviate symptoms such as chest pain, and lower the risk of heart attacks.
• They provide structural support, keeping the artery's diameter stable and preventing future blockages.

In short, stents are crucial for keeping coronary arteries open, ensuring free blood flow, and supporting overall heart health.
How Stents Restore and Maintain Coronary Artery Health