Understanding the role of stent in treating heart diseases
The heart is the most crucial organ in our body, also called life's source. Although it is considered one of the strongest organs, there are certain cases where the heart weakens and suffer from some comorbid diseases. One such problem is blocks.
The blocks can form in the major blood vessels like the pulmonary artery or aorta, normal vessels, coronary artery, or the valves inside the heart. Blocks occur due to a myriad of reasons, from obesity to atherosclerosis. It is not easy to treat the blocks, especially when they are so huge that the blood flow is restricted.
Over the years, several new treatment processes have been introduced to the medical industry, from angioplasty to surgeries. However, they do not have a much higher success rate. This is why doctors usually prefer to go for stent placement to reduce the block and widen the area through which blood flows.
Below, we will explain specific facts about stent treatment that every person should know, regardless of whether he is a heart patient.
What is stent treatment and how it is done?
A stent is a cylindrical mesh metal tube inserted in the blood vessel or the part of the heart where there is a block. An incision is made at the wrist, the leg, or the groin based on the block's location. From this small cut, a catheter is inserted along the blood vessel until it reaches the block's location.
Once done, the metal tube is released and allowed to expand. Its position is adjusted to ensure the blood vessel is distended without the block interfering with the blood flow. As the tube extends in diameter, the blood flow is restored, ensuring no more hassles or life risks.
The stent is left behind in the blood vessels, whereas the catheter is drawn out from the incision area. As a result, you won't feel anything inside your body. Doctors often define stent angioplasty as a permanent process because the stent is left behind permanently until it suffers corrosion and needs replacement.
Types of stents used in cardiac block treatment
Usually, two different types of stents are used in treating heart block. These are:
1. Bare metal stent: This is a regular metallic stent with no coating present on the surface. These are often termed first-generation stents. Although they are cheaper and readily available, the chances of the blood vessel closing are much more.
2. Drug-eluting stent: Coated with a particular medicine on the walls, this stent is the newest one used in cardiac treatment for vessel and heart blocks. The chemical prevents the re-narrowing of the blood vessels, offering more longevity.
Benefits of stent treatment
To have a clear picture of the stent treatment, it is imperative to know its benefits, which we have explained in the section below.
1. The stent is left at the place of the blockage to ensure the blood vessel remains distended for the wrong time.
2. It does not interfere with blood flow. Instead, it increases the vessels' lumen and allows proper blood flow.
3. There is no need to replace the stent every month because they have higher longevity and can last for at least 6 months.
4. Stent treatment is more promising for reducing heart and blood vessel blocks than any other form of angioplasty.
Over the years, several studies have emerged concerning the productivity and efficiency of cardiac stents. These treat blocks in different parts of the cardiac system, like the coronary arteries and the heart valves. Once the stents are placed, patients must be careful of their lifestyle and ensure they do not start smoking, consume alcohol, or introduce irregularity in the diet plan. For more information, be sure to visit the hospital’s website.