Coronary stenting is a medical procedure used to treat coronary artery disease by placing a small wire mesh tube, called a stent, into a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to restore blood flow to the heart. The procedure typically begins with coronary angioplasty, where a catheter with a balloon is inserted through a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and guided to the blocked artery. The balloon is inflated to open the artery, and the stent is then deployed to keep the artery open. This helps to relieve symptoms like chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath, and can prevent heart attacks. Coronary stenting is often performed in patients with significant blockages that have not responded to medications or other non-invasive treatments. The stent acts as a scaffold to support the artery walls and reduce the risk of re-narrowing (restenosis). However, there are potential complications associated with coronary stenting. These can include bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site, infection, allergic reactions to contrast dye used during the procedure, and damage to the blood vessels. In some cases, stent thrombosis, where a blood clot forms inside the stent, can occur, leading to a heart attack. To mitigate this risk, patients are usually prescribed antiplatelet medications. Long-term success of the procedure also depends on lifestyle changes and management of risk factors like high cholesterol, hypertension, and smoking. A thorough consultation with a cardiologist is important to understand the risks, benefits, and necessary follow-up care.
