A heart stent is a small, expandable tube, typically made of a metal mesh, that is placed into a coronary artery to keep it open and improve blood flow to the heart. It is essentially a tiny, expandable metal mesh coil. Its primary function is to be put into a newly opened area of a narrowed or blocked artery to help keep it from narrowing or closing again. Once the stent has been placed, tissue will gradually start to coat it, much like a layer of skin. This process ensures the stent becomes fully lined with tissue, typically within 3 to 12 months.
Why Are Heart Stents Used?
Heart stents are primarily used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). When arteries narrow, blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted, leading to symptoms such as:
- Angina: Chest pain or discomfort.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fatigue.
In severe cases, blockages can lead to a heart attack. Stents are deployed during a procedure called angioplasty, often after a balloon has been used to widen the narrowed artery.
How Does a Heart Stent Work?
During an angioplasty, a catheter with a tiny balloon is guided to the blocked coronary artery. The balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery walls, widening the passage. Immediately after, or sometimes concurrently, the stent is positioned. When the balloon is re-inflated, it expands the stent against the artery wall. The stent then acts as a scaffold, providing structural support to keep the artery open and maintain proper blood flow. This physical support helps to prevent the artery from collapsing or re-narrowing (restenosis).
Types of Heart Stents
There are different types of heart stents, each with specific characteristics:
| Stent Type | Description | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bare-Metal Stents (BMS) | These are simple metal mesh tubes, typically made of stainless steel or cobalt-chromium, without any drug coating. | Rely solely on physical scaffolding; higher risk of re-narrowing due to tissue growth. |
| Drug-Eluting Stents (DES) | These stents are coated with medication that is slowly released into the artery wall over several weeks or months. The drugs are designed to inhibit cell growth that could cause the artery to narrow again. | Medication prevents excessive scar tissue growth, significantly reducing the risk of re-narrowing. |
| Bioabsorbable Stents (BVS) | Made from a material that gradually dissolves in the body over time (typically 2-3 years) after keeping the artery open. While promising, they are currently less common in clinical practice than DES. | Dissolves completely, leaving no permanent implant once the artery has healed. |
Benefits of Heart Stents
The placement of a heart stent can offer several significant benefits for individuals with coronary artery disease:
- Improved Blood Flow: Directly restores adequate blood supply to the heart muscle.
- Reduced Symptoms: Alleviates chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and other discomforts.
- Reduced Risk of Heart Attack: By keeping arteries open, stents can prevent severe blockages that could lead to a heart attack.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients often experience improved energy levels and the ability to resume normal activities.
Living with a Heart Stent
After a heart stent procedure, patients typically need to take antiplatelet medications (such as aspirin and often a second drug like clopidogrel) for a prescribed period to prevent blood clots from forming on the stent. Lifestyle modifications are also crucial for long-term success, including:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet.
- Regular physical activity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Managing stress.
- Quitting smoking.
Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is essential to monitor recovery and overall cardiovascular health.
