Stenttihoito

Stenttihoito, commonly known as stenting, is a medical procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels. A stent is a small, expandable mesh tube that is inserted into a narrowed artery to hold it open. The procedure is most frequently performed on coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, but can also be used in other arteries throughout the body, such as in the legs or neck.

The process typically begins with a minimally invasive procedure called angioplasty. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is guided through a blood vessel, usually starting in the groin or arm, to the site of the blockage. A small balloon is then inflated at the blockage, compressing the plaque and widening the artery. Once the artery is opened, the stent, which is usually mounted on the deflated balloon, is delivered to the site. The balloon is reinflated, expanding the stent and pressing it firmly against the artery wall. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place to maintain blood flow.

Stenttihoito is a common treatment for conditions like coronary artery disease, which can cause angina (chest pain) and heart attacks. It can also be used to treat peripheral artery disease, which affects blood flow to the limbs. While effective, there are potential risks associated with stenting, including blood clots forming within the stent, restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery), and bleeding at the catheter insertion site. Patients typically receive medication to prevent blood clots after the procedure.