Stents Q & A

What are stents?

Stents are tiny tubes that your cardiologist places into veins or arteries to hold them open. Stents are often metal, plastic, or another sturdy material.

Cardiologists at Advanced Heart Care Associates might insert stents into blood vessels during balloon angioplasty, a procedure in which they widen diseased blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blockages, heart attack, and stroke. 

Are stents right for me?

To find out if you’re a candidate for stenting, your Advanced Heart Care Associates specialist reviews your medical history and symptoms. They check your blood pressure and other vital signs and complete a physical exam. They may order blood tests, imaging procedures, or additional diagnostic tests.

You could be a candidate for angioplasty with stenting if you’re at risk of, or already have:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • Carotid artery disease
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Renal artery stenosis
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm 

Advanced Heart Care Associates personalizes each treatment to give you the best outcome.

How should I prepare for stent placement?

Follow your doctor’s instructions before undergoing a stenting procedure. They may ask you to avoid foods and drinks or stop taking certain medications before your scheduled surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. 

What should I expect when receiving stents?

During surgery with stenting, you might remain awake and receive a sedative or fall asleep after being given general anesthesia. Either way, your provider makes sure you don’t feel any pain. You might receive contrast dye through a vein in your arm to make it easier for your surgeon to identify diseased blood vessels. 

They make tiny incisions and insert a specialized device into targeted blood vessels. Your cardiologist uses the device with a balloon-like attachment to inflate narrowed or blocked vessels before inserting stents to hold them open. Your surgeon then closes the incisions and takes you to a recovery area.

What happens after a stenting procedure?

After the procedure, you might stay in the surgical center for a night. Follow all post-surgery instructions, drink a lot of water, and take medications as directed. Have someone drive you home after being discharged. 

Your Advanced Heart Care Associates specialist makes sure that your stents work effectively, and they monitor you for future problems. Your provider can treat heart disease risk factors with medications or counsel you about ways to maintain healthy habits at home.

To learn more about stents and find out if you’re a candidate, call Advanced Heart Care Associates or book an appointment online today.