A stent is a small tube made of metal mesh or fabric. It is used to add support or structure to damaged arteries, or to keep narrowed arteries open typically following a balloon angioplasty. Some stents have a medicated coating to prevent the blockage from recurring. The National Heart Blood and Lung Institute describes an angioplasty as a procedure that reopens blocked or narrowed arteries.
Diagnostic Angiogram
MayoClinic.com explains that a coronary angiogram is a procedure that uses X-ray imaging to see the inside of the heart's blood vessels to determine if any are blocked or narrowed. To perform this procedure, the cardiologist chooses a site in the patient's groin, arm or wrist and a local anesthetic is given at the site. A catheter is inserted through a small incision into a blood vessel and is threaded through to the heart area. Dye is injected to reveal the arteries on the X-rays. If a blockage is present, the catheter remains in place as a highway for the stent and the cardiologist proceeds to the next step or procedure.
Balloon Angioplasty and Stent
Angioplasty.org explains that an angioplasty balloon and stent are threaded through the catheter that is already in place, to the site of the blockage around the heart. The balloon is inflated to open the blockage through pressure. When the opening is patent, the balloon is removed. The stent is pushed through the catheter to the site and expanded. The stent remains in place to ensure the artery remains open.
Closure of Puncture Site
Closing of the puncture site is performed once the stent has been placed. The catheter is carefully removed and compression is placed on the artery to stop any bleeding. Other vascular closure devices used to stop the bleeding are a collagen-based plug that closes the artery, or a grommet-type punch called a nitinol clip that seals it. Angioplast.org advises that the patient discuss with his cardiologist, which closure procedure is best.
