Understanding Heart Stents: Its Types and Benefits Unveiled
Author : Ranjan Kumar | Published On : 15 Feb 2024
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The condition is often caused by blocked arteries restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. One of the most common treatments for blocked arteries is a heart stent, also known as a coronary stent. This article will explore what heart stents are, the different types available, and their benefits and risks.
What are Heart Stents?
Heart stents are tiny mesh tubes inserted into the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. The stent is placed in a narrowed or blocked artery to keep it open, allowing blood to flow more freely. The stent is typically made of metal and is designed to be permanent. It is usually placed in the artery during a minimally invasive procedure called angioplasty.
Types of Heart Stents
Several types of stents are available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types of heart stents:
- Bare Metal Stents (BMS)
Bare metal stents are the simplest type of heart stent. They consist of a wire mesh tube inserted into the artery to keep it open. BMS is usually coated with a thin layer of medication to reduce the risk of blood clots forming. These stents were the first type of stent developed and are still used today, although less frequently than newer types of stents.
- Drug-Eluting Stents (DES)
Drug-eluting stents are coated with a medication slowly released into the artery over time. The medication helps prevent scar tissue formation that can cause the artery to become narrow again. DES is more effective than BMS at preventing the artery from becoming narrow again, but they also carry a higher risk of blood clots forming.
- Bioresorbable Stents
Bioresorbable stents are designed to dissolve slowly over time. They are made from a material that is gradually absorbed by the body, leaving behind only healthy, natural tissue. Bioresorbable stents are a relatively new type of stent and are still being studied to determine their long-term effectiveness.
Benefits of Heart Stents
Heart stents can provide several benefits for people with blocked arteries, including:
- Improved Blood Flow: Heart stents can improve blood flow to the heart muscle, reducing the risk of heart attacks and other complications.
- Minimally Invasive: Heart stent placement is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it involves less pain, scarring, and recovery time than traditional open-heart surgery.
- Long-Term Results: Heart stents are designed to be permanent, meaning they can provide long-term relief from symptoms.
Conclusion
Heart stents are an effective treatment for blocked arteries that can improve blood flow to the heart muscle and reduce the risk of heart attacks and other complications. Several types of heart stents are available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. While heart stents can be highly effective, they also carry certain risks that should be discussed with a doctor.
Overall, heart stents are a valuable tool in the fight against heart disease and can provide long-term relief for people with blocked arteries. If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, talk to your doctor about whether a heart stent placement might suit you. With proper care and monitoring, heart stents can help you manage your condition and live a healthier, more active life.
Source: https://platinumforheart.weebly.com/blog/understanding-heart-stents-its-types-and-benefits-unveiled
