Stents in Angioplasty- The Global Lifesaver

Changing work patterns supplemented with unhealthy lifestyle and food habits is taking its biggest toll on the human heart. In the last 20 years, heart ailments and related issues have proved to be the biggest killer among people of all age groups and class. More than 16 million people are inflicted with the Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) globally making it the most common form of heart disease. CAD is a regressive heart ailment caused by a condition called Atherosclerosis. In this condition, the heart vessels are clogged with fat molecules, cholesterol, calcium deposits and blood clotting fiber called fibrin. These depositions greatly restrict the flow of blood to the heart leading to weakening of cardiac muscles and inefficient functioning. Heart surgeons recommend several interventional for performing angioplasty.  The most commonly practiced procedures are as follows

1. Balloon angioplasty

2. Stent

3. Rotoblation

4. Atherectomy

5. Cutting Balloon

Among all the above processes, use of the stents in angioplasty is the most common and effective.

Inserting the Stents: The Overview of the Process

Coronary angioplasty is referred to as Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA). The process of inserting stents into the coronary arteries is called as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).  The balloon catheter is inserted into the blocked vessel using endoscopic camera assisted by robotic arms. The balloon catheter is inflated and the stents expand into the blocked artery wall. Once locked into the position, the stent expands to fit into the blocked space and gets fixed to the inner walls of the coronary vessels. The stent stays there permanently, preventing the operated artery from collapsing against blood pressure. In many ways, it resembles a module of a spring. The balloon catheter is, then, burst and pulled back. In a lot of instances, there is a strong possibility that the artery can be blocked again. This condition is called Restenosis.

There are 2 medically approved stent types: As per FDA norms, these are:

• Bare-Metal Stents (BMS)

• Drug Eluting Stents (DES)

To prevent restenosis, modern day stents are loaded with molecular agents that prevent fats from depositing on the walls. The agents include aspirin, thrombin and Brillinta. Unlike bypass surgery, stenting requires minimum invasion.  Patients are administered local anesthesia unless multiple stents are to be inserted. This procedure is a safe process and the patient can resume normal chores within 8-10 days post surgery. Despite its effectiveness over the long run, some precautions must be taken after the insertion of stents. Avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting must be followed. Not adhering to regular follow ups may leave the stent wound from damages. The chances of it paving way for infection, blood clots and eventually may lead to death also in certain cases.

Thus following of doctor’s advice is highly advisable to live free of heart risks.