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Stenting or stent treatment used in treating conditions of the heart and kidney due to blocked arteries. The procedure helps remove the clots in the arteries and provides support to the arterial walls while they repair and heal. In this blog, a leading cardiologist in Vijayawada explains the purpose, process, and aftercare in detail, giving readers a clear, human-interest perspective on stenting.
Synopsis
What Is Stent Treatment?
Stents are mesh-like tubes that can be inserted into narrowed or blocked arteries to open them and restore blood flow. The stents are made from metal (such as stainless steel, cobalt chromium, and nitinol), biodegradable polymers, or cloth (particularly used as stent grafts for larger arteries). The stents are can be coated with medications to promote healing of the arterial walls and support proper blood flow. Stent treatment is widely used in the treatment of heart and kidney treatments.
When Is a Stent Required?
Stents are essential when coronary artery disease leads to plaque buildup, risking heart attacks or chest pain. Emergency conditions such as blockages in the heart, brain, or aorta may also necessitate stent placement to preserve vessel integrity and prevent rupture.
Why Is a Stent Used in Heart and Kidney Treatments?
Stents in Cardiology
In recent years, stent treatment for heart attacks has become very popular due to its high success rate in reducing the risk of recurrent heart blockages and heart attacks. Stents are crucial elements of angioplasty procedures, particularly after dilation of the arteries with balloon dilation. Modern-day advanced medicated stents also called the drug-eluting stents, prevent re-narrowing of the arteries.
Stents in Kidney Stone Treatment
Ureteral stents or stents in kidney stone treatment are used to relieve obstructions in the ureters and facilitate urine flow. Depending on the patient’s condition and individual need, ureteral stents can be temporary or long-term. The stents help in proper draining of the kidneys and thereby help manage or prevent pain, infection, and hydronephrosis.
Heart Blockage Treatment Without a Stent – Is It Possible?
Non-Stent Options
Not all heart blockages require stenting. Heart blockage treatment without a stent is considered in patients with mild narrowing of the arteries or in patients who are not eligible candidates for stenting due to severe comorbid conditions, bleeding disorders with risk of uncontrolled bleeding, hypersensitivity to antiplatelet drugs prescribed after stent treatment.
Some of the common options for heart blockage treatment without a stent include medications, lifestyle management with diet and exercise, and interventions such as Enhanced External Counter-pulsation (EECP).
When Is a Stent Not Recommended?
Stent treatment is considered only after a detailed assessment of the patient, evaluating risk factors and overall health. Stent treatment is not recommended for patients with:
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Mild narrowing of the arteries or small blockages.
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Bleeding disorders and risk of uncontrolled bleeding.
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Severe comorbidities involving other vital organs.
Stenting Procedure: Step-by-Step
Described here is a brief overview of the stent procedure steps:
| Before the Procedure |
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| During the Procedure |
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| After the procedure |
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Precautions After Stent Placement and Recovery
Immediate Post-Procedure Tips.
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Keep the area dry for 24–48 hours.
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Monitor for redness, bleeding, or infection.
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Quick medical attention is needed for any abnormal symptoms.
Lifestyle Guidelines
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Avoid heavy lifting, sexual activity, and strenuous exercise for a week.
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Maintain hydration,
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Follow prescription
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Adopt a heart-healthy diet to enhance recovery and support long-term health.
Long-Term Follow-Up with a Cardiologist for:
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Blood tests and a scan.
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Monitoring stent patency and overall cardiovascular health.
Heart Stents and Dental Treatment – What You Should Know
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Dental Visits After Stenting - Patients must update dentists on their cardiac history and medications. In some cases, antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended prior to dental work.
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Medications and Bleeding Risk - Managing blood thinners around dental procedures is crucial to minimise bleeding risk and avoid complications.
Conclusion
Book an appointment or visit our Manipal Hospitals Cardiology Department at Vijayawada today for the best treatment.
FAQ's
A coronary stent is a small mesh device placed inside blocked heart arteries to permanently keep them open and restore blood flow.
]Drug-eluting stents release medication to prevent artery reclogging, while bare-metal stents do not have medicine coatings.
A catheter with a balloon expands the blockage, and then the stent is placed to keep the artery open.
Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercises, and sexual activity for a week, and monitor for infection at the insertion site.
Yes, medications like aspirin and other blood thinners are given to prevent clots and ensure the stent functions.
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