A stent is a small tube that is inserted in the arteries to keep them open. Placing a stent maintains a consistent blood flow as well as the flow of other fluids, depending upon where it was placed. Stents are constructed of metal or plastic. For arteries that are larger, stent grafts are used, which are bigger than stents and are made of special fabric. Medication can also be applied on stents in order to keep the arteries from closing.
Why would an individual need a stent?
When the blood vessels of an individual are blocked by plaque, which is built up of cholesterol and other substances that stick to the arteries, a stent is required so that the arteries remain open, ensuring a consistent flow of blood and other fluids. It may be needed during an emergency when the artery of the heart, known as the coronary artery, is blocked. First, a catheter is placed into the blocked coronary artery, which allows the Cardiologist In Ludhiana to execute balloon angioplasty in order to open the blocked passage, after which a stent is placed to hold it open.
Stents can also be put in use for the prevention of aneurysms from tearing in your brain, aorta, or other blood vessels.
Stents can open many other passages besides blood vessels. Some of the following passages are:
- Bile ducts: it is a tube that is responsible for the movement of bile from and to the digestive organs.
- Bronchi: small airways in the lungs
- Ureter: tubes that are the passage for urine to move from the kidney to the bladder.
These tubes can also be blocked or damaged like blood vessels.
How does someone prepare for a stent?
The type of stent decides the type of preparation that would be needed. For a person who needs a stent to be placed in the blood vessels, the following preparations would be needed:
- You need to inform your doctor about the consumption of any sort of drug or supplement.
- Avoid drugs that can cause your blood to clot, such as naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and clopidogrel.
- Do not avoid the instructions given by your doctor about the usage of any drugs.
- Say no to smoking if you do
- Tell your doctor about any illness or health issue you might have, even a common cold or flu.
- A night before your surgery, do not drink water or any other fluid.
- Take all the medications that your doctor prescribes.
- Be at the hospital before time to prepare for the surgery.
- Follow all the instructions and guidelines given by your doctor.
During the procedure of surgery, you would be given a few numbing medicines and IV medication.
What are the complications of stent insertion?
There is a risk of complications in any surgery. The process of inserting a stent might also involve the assessment of arteries of the heart and brain, which can elevate the risk of harmful effects.
The risks that can be elevated through stents are:
- Allergic reaction caused by medications or dye used in the process.
- Improper breathing due to anaesthesia or placing a stent in bronchi.
- Bleeding
- Blockage of artery
- Blood clotting
- Heart attack
- Infection in the vessel
- A stent in the ureter causes kidney stones.
Strokes and seizures are some rare effects of stents.
Stents are made of metal, and some people are sensitive to metals. The manufacturers of stents recommend not to use stents if someone is allergic to metal. It is better to speak to the doctor about all the complications that can occur before the placement of a stent.
What happens after a stent is placed?
You might feel mild soreness at the place of incision, for which your doctor will provide you with some painkillers and anticoagulant medication in order to prevent clotting.
The doctor would need you to stay the night to ensure that there are no complications after the surgery, and you might even need to stay longer at the Best Heart Hospital In Ludhiana In case of a heart attack. After returning home, make sure to drink a lot of fluids, avoid physical movement for a while, and follow the instructions provided by the doctor.