Cardiac Stent

What is a cardiac stent?

A cardiac stent is a surgical mesh-like tube. The team at Cary Cardiology, P.A., places the cardiac stent in an artery in your heart to reopen a blocked blood vessel, restoring blood flow.

Cardiac stents are usually made from wire or fabric. These types of cardiac stents are permanent. However, there are stents coated with medicine that dissolve slowly over time. 

Why would I need a cardiac stent?

Your provider at Cary Cardiology, P.A., reviews why you need a cardiac stent during a consultation. They can place a cardiac stent to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), which is narrowing or blockages in the main arteries in the heart.

This narrowing occurs because of plaque buildup along the blood vessel wall (a condition also known as atherosclerosis). Treating the blocked artery decreases your risk of heart attack or stroke. A cardiac stent also reduces chest pain, a common side effect of CAD.

What happens during the placement of a cardiac stent?

At your consultation, your Cary Cardiology, P.A., provider reviews the details of what happens during the placement of your cardiac stent. This is an excellent time to ask questions or voice any concerns. 

For the procedure, your provider makes a small incision near a blood vessel in your groin and inserts a catheter into the blood vessel. Using X-ray-guided imaging, they thread the catheter to the blocked area of your heart.

Once at the artery, they inflate a balloon at the tip of the catheter, which compresses the plaque, blocking the flow of blood against the artery wall. Then, they place the mesh to keep the artery open.

After the placement, your provider removes the catheter and sends you to the recovery room. Cardiac stent placement takes about an hour. 

What can I expect during recovery from placement of a cardiac stent?

You may experience some pain and discomfort following the placement of your cardiac stent. The team gives you specific instructions for activity and care to ensure a safe and fast recovery. Most patients return to their usual activities within a week.

To find out more about cardiac stents for coronary artery disease, call Cary Cardiology, P.A., or book an appointment online today.