stentplaatsingen

Stentplaatsingen, also known as angioplasty with stenting, is a medical procedure used to open up narrowed or blocked arteries. Arteries can become narrowed due to the buildup of plaque, a fatty substance, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This narrowing can restrict blood flow to vital organs like the heart or brain, leading to conditions such as angina (chest pain) or stroke.

The procedure typically involves a cardiologist or vascular surgeon. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or arm, and guided to the blocked artery. A tiny balloon at the tip of the catheter is then inflated at the site of the blockage. This inflation compresses the plaque against the artery wall, widening the passage.

Once the artery is opened, a small, expandable mesh tube called a stent is usually deployed. The stent acts as a scaffold, holding the artery open and preventing it from narrowing again. Stents can be bare-metal or coated with medication (drug-eluting stents) to further reduce the risk of re-blockage. Stentplaatsingen is a minimally invasive procedure, and patients often recover quickly. However, like any medical intervention, it carries potential risks and benefits that are discussed with the patient beforehand.