Stentë

Stentë is a medical device used to prop open bodily passageways that have become narrowed. These passageways can include blood vessels, such as arteries, as well as ducts in organs like the bile ducts or ureters. Stents are typically small, mesh-like tubes, often made from metal alloys like stainless steel or nitinol, or from plastic materials. The choice of material depends on the intended use and the specific medical condition being treated.

The primary purpose of a stent is to restore or maintain the flow of fluids through a constricted passage. This narrowing can be caused by various factors, including the buildup of plaque in arteries (atherosclerosis), the growth of tumors, or the formation of stones. The procedure to insert a stent is called stenting. It is usually performed minimally invasively, often through a catheter inserted into a blood vessel or other bodily opening. Once in place, the stent acts as a scaffold, preventing the passageway from collapsing and ensuring continued patency.

Stents are widely used in cardiology to treat coronary artery disease, where they are placed in blocked or narrowed heart arteries to improve blood flow. They are also employed in vascular surgery to treat peripheral artery disease, in urology for ureteral blockages, and in gastroenterology for bile duct obstructions. Some stents are coated with medication, known as drug-eluting stents, which are designed to release drugs over time to help prevent re-narrowing of the passageway.