karodarteriestenting

Coronary artery stenting, often referred to as angioplasty with stenting, is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. When they become obstructed, typically by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), it can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.

The procedure begins with a physician inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, usually through an artery in the wrist or groin. Guided by X-ray imaging, the catheter is advanced to the site of the blockage in the coronary artery. A special dye is injected to visualize the artery and pinpoint the obstruction. Once in position, a tiny, balloon-tipped catheter is threaded through the guide catheter to the narrowed area. The balloon is then inflated, compressing the plaque against the artery wall and widening the passage.

Following balloon angioplasty, a stent, which is a small, expandable mesh tube, is deployed. The stent is usually mounted on the balloon catheter. When the balloon is inflated, the stent expands and locks into place, acting as a scaffold to keep the artery open. In many cases, a drug-eluting stent is used. These stents are coated with medication that is slowly released over time to help prevent scar tissue from growing and re-blocking the artery. After the stent is in place, the balloon and catheter are withdrawn. Patients typically remain in the hospital for a short period for observation and are advised to take antiplatelet medications to prevent blood clots from forming on the stent.