Types Of Stents Used In Angioplasty Procedure
Angioplasty is a medical procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels, typically in the coronary arteries of the heart. One way to keep the blood vessel open after angioplasty is to use a stent, which is a small mesh tube that is inserted into the vessel to hold it open. There are several different types of stents available, each with its own unique characteristics and indications for use. Some of the most common types of angioplasty stents include:
Drug-eluting stents: These stents are coated with a medication that is slowly released over time to help prevent the blood vessel from becoming blocked again.
Bare metal stents: These stents are made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or cobalt-chromium alloy, and do not have any medication coating. They are generally less expensive than drug-eluting stents and are used in cases where the risk of restenosis (re-narrowing of the blood vessel) is low.
Bioresorbable stents: These stents are made of a biodegradable material that is absorbed by the body over time, allowing the blood vessel to return to its normal state. They may be used in cases where long-term stenting is not desirable or where the risk of stent-related complications is high.
Self-expanding stents: These stents are made of a material that expands on its own, allowing it to be inserted into the blood vessel through a smaller incision. They may be used in cases where the blood vessel is too narrow or too fragile for traditional stents.
Balloon-expandable stents: These stents are inserted into the blood vessel using a balloon catheter and are expanded using a balloon to hold the blood vessel open. They are the most commonly used type of stent and are generally more durable than self-expanding stents.
It is important to note that each patient is different, and the type of stent that is most suitable for one person may not be the best option for another. Your doctor will consider your individual circumstances, including the location and severity of the blockage, as well as your overall health and medical history, when determining the most appropriate type of stent for you.
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