tucker,

Thanks for your question.  Stents are small devices that are used in the treatment of coronary artery disease (blockages in the arteries that feed the heart muscle.  When one of these arteries becomes completely blocked by plaque buildup, or a clot forms on a plaque, this can result in a heart attack.

Here is the usual way that stents are placed.  First, the cardiologist performs the heart catheterization which visualizes the coronary arteries and any blockages.  If it is decided that a stent can be used (instead of open heart surgery), the doctor places a balloon across the blockage and inflates it.  This opens up the blood vessel by compressing the plaque against the wall of the blood vessel.  The balloon is deflated and removed, followed by placement of the stent across this same area.  As the stent is pushed out of the catheter, the small coil within the stent opens up (uncoils) and helps prevent the blockage from recurring, as well as maintaining an open channel within the coronary artery.  Some stents have medication embedded which helps to prevent clot formation, the leading cause of restenosis (recurrence of the blockage).  In many cases, more than one stent is placed.  Blood thinners are also prescribed in most cases for after the procedure to help prevent clot formation.

Stents are an amazing development in the treatment of coronary artery disease and have helped patients with their disease as well as avoiding surgery.

Martin Cane, M.D.