lääkkeidenestoa

Lääkkeidenesto, also known as drug eluting stent or DES, is a medical device used in angioplasty procedures. It is a small mesh tube, typically made of metal, that is coated with a medication. This medication is designed to prevent the growth of scar tissue within the artery, which can lead to restenosis, or the re-narrowing of the artery after a procedure.

The primary purpose of a drug-eluting stent is to keep a blocked or narrowed artery open. When a stent is placed, it acts as a scaffold to support the vessel wall. The medication on the stent is gradually released over time, typically several weeks to months, directly into the artery wall. This localized drug delivery minimizes the systemic absorption of the medication, reducing the risk of side effects.

The use of drug-eluting stents has significantly reduced the rate of restenosis compared to bare-metal stents. This has led to improved long-term outcomes for patients undergoing angioplasty for conditions such as coronary artery disease. However, there is a small increased risk of stent thrombosis, a rare but serious complication where a blood clot forms within the stent. Patients receiving drug-eluting stents are usually prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy for a specific period to prevent this complication. The choice between a drug-eluting stent and a bare-metal stent depends on individual patient factors and the specific clinical situation.