Small, stainless steel mesh tubes or metal
coils called, "stents" may be permanently inserted into the widened
arteries after angioplasty. They may reduce the incidence of restenosis.
Stents may be inserted during the original angioplasty
procedure or during a repeat angioplasty. This process may reduce
the incidence of restenosis.
What happens during the procedure?
Coronary angioplasty is performed. Then a stent is placed on another
balloon catheter. This catheter is threaded into the coronary
artery and the new balloon is inflated. This causes the stent
to expand and imbed itself into the inner lining of the artery,
and causes additional plaque compression. Angioplasty may be repeated
with additional balloons. Then the catheters and guide wires are
withdrawn. The stents remain in place permanently.
How
long will I stay in the hospital?
Usually there is an overnight stay following this procedure. Arrange
in advance for someone to drive you home from the hospital.
What
happens before I'm discharged from the hospital?
From this point on, the process is the same as for balloon angioplasty.
