Arterial Stenting: The Stent Procedure
Arterial stenting is a procedure used to treat blocked or narrowed arteries in conditions such as peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, and carotid artery disease. By placing a stent, doctors can restore blood flow to the heart, legs, or brain, reducing symptoms and preventing serious complications like heart attack or stroke.
Stenting Procedure: Your Pathway to Improved Vascular Health
Arterial stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that restores blood flow and relieves symptoms caused by narrowed or blocked arteries. This page explains what arterial stenting is, how the procedure works, the conditions it treats, its benefits and risks, and what to expect before and after treatment. It is intended for patients considering or recommended for arterial stenting, as well as their families. Understanding arterial stenting can help you make informed decisions about your vascular health and treatment options.
Our Approach
At Coastal Vascular Center, we specialize in delivering advanced stenting procedures designed to improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and enhance your overall vascular health. A multidisciplinary healthcare team is involved in your care before, during, and after the stenting procedure to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Importance of Stenting
Stenting is a simple treatment. It involves putting a small mesh tube, called a stent, into narrowed or blocked arteries. This helps keep the arteries open and improves blood flow. This procedure is often suggested for patients with conditions like Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) or blocked arteries. It can help with mobility, comfort, and overall health.
Our expert team combines cutting-edge technology with years of experience to ensure each procedure is performed with precision and a personalized approach. Stenting is an important part of cardiovascular medicine, helping to alleviate pain and enhance blood flow to vital parts of the body. It can be a crucial step in regaining your quality of life. Learn how Coastal Vascular Center can be your trusted partner in achieving better vascular health, especially if you are managing diabetes-related peripheral arterial disease risk.
Take the first step toward better vascular health—schedule your consultation with Coastal Vascular Center today.
What is a Stent Procedure?
Arterial stenting is commonly used to treat conditions such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, and coronary artery disease (CAD). Stenting can restore blood flow to the heart in CAD, improve blood flow to the legs in PAD, and help prevent strokes in carotid artery disease.
A stent procedure, also known as stenting, is a minimally invasive medical treatment used to open narrowed or blocked arteries or veins to restore normal blood flow to various body parts. Stenting is commonly used to treat conditions such as peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease, and coronary artery disease. This procedure is essential for treating several cardiovascular and peripheral vascular conditions, including opening clogged arteries in the heart (heart arteries) and peripheral arteries, ensuring that vital organs receive an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood.
Definition of a Stent:
A stent is a tiny, expandable metal mesh coil that is put into the newly opened area of the artery to help keep it from narrowing or closing again. In peripheral arteries, a stent acts as a scaffold to prevent the artery from closing again after it has been opened.
How Does Stenting Work to Improve Blood Flow?
The procedure begins with a tiny needle puncture at the insertion site. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area, ensuring patient comfort, and the procedure typically takes 30 minutes to 3 hours. A flexible tube called a catheter (also referred to as a thin tube) is then inserted through the blood vessel. Contrast dye is injected, and x ray imaging is used to visualize the arteries and guide the catheter to the affected area. During a stent procedure, a small mesh tube made of metal or plastic, known as a stent, is delivered to the blockage site using the catheter. A tiny balloon on the catheter is then inflated, expanding the stent and pressing it against the artery walls. This effectively opens the artery, allowing blood to flow more freely. The balloon is then deflated and withdrawn while the stent remains permanently placed, acting as a scaffold to keep the artery open.
Next, let’s explore the different types of stents available and how they are selected for each patient.
Types of Stents
There are various types of stents used depending on the specific need and condition being treated. The two primary categories are:
- Bare-metal stents (BMS): These stents do not contain medication. They act solely as a scaffold to prevent the artery from closing again.
- Drug-eluting stents (DES): DES are coated with medication that slowly releases into the artery walls to prevent the growth of scar tissue, which can help reduce the risk of the artery narrowing again. Most stents used today are drug-eluting stents, as they are the most common type and are specifically designed to prevent scar tissue growth inside the stent.
Now that you know the types of stents, let’s look at the conditions that can be treated with stenting.
Take Control of Your Vascular Health with Our Stenting Procedure
Don’t let vascular conditions dictate the quality of your life any longer. If you’re experiencing the effects of narrowed or blocked arteries, such as discomfort during physical activity or concerns about heart health, our stenting procedure at Coastal Vascular Center could be your key to a healthier, more vibrant life.
Conditions Treated by Stenting: Peripheral Artery Disease and More
Stenting is used to treat a range of conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): This is the most common use of stents, helping to alleviate symptoms such as chest pain (angina) and to minimize damage during a heart attack.
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): PAD occurs when fatty deposits build up in the peripheral arteries, causing them to narrow or block blood flow. These blockages can lead to symptoms such as pain, achiness, or heaviness in the legs that worsens with walking and may be associated with leg swelling and other symptoms. Stenting and angioplasty are used to open blocked peripheral arteries—such as the iliac, femoral, popliteal, tibial, and peroneal arteries—restoring blood flow and helping to heal ulcers on legs and feet, and are often complemented by treatment of related venous issues such as varicose veins and their management.
- Renal artery stenosis: Stenting can improve kidney blood flow in patients with narrowed arteries.
- Carotid artery disease: To reduce the risk of stroke, stents may be placed in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain.
Now that you know the main conditions treated by stenting, let’s review the benefits and risks of the procedure.
Benefits and Risks
Benefits of Stenting
The primary benefit of a stent procedure is restoring blood flow through arteries that were previously narrowed or blocked, which can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Most stents are designed to prevent re-narrowing of the artery by providing structural support and, in some cases, releasing medication.
Risks of Stenting
However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks involved. These include:
- Infection at the catheter insertion site
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Stroke (though rare)
- Rupture of the coronary artery (which may require open heart surgery)
- Allergic reactions to the contrast dye
- Kidney damage from the contrast dye
- Scar tissue formation inside the stent (may require a repeat procedure)
- Bleeding at the catheter insertion site
- Reactions to the dye used during the procedure
Certain conditions and medications, such as bleeding disorders and blood thinning medicines, can affect blood clotting and should be discussed with your healthcare provider before the procedure. It is important to inform your care team about any history of bleeding disorders or use of blood thinning medicines, as these can affect blood clotting and procedural safety.
In rare cases, blood clots can form within stents. To prevent blood clots and tissue overgrowth inside the stent, antiplatelet medicines are prescribed as an important part of post-procedure management. These medicines help reduce the risk of restenosis and ensure the longevity of the stent, which is especially important in severe PAD presentations such as rest pain and critical limb ischemia.
Most patients can resume normal activities soon after recovery. Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and healthy eating are essential to prevent new blockages after stenting.
Understanding the benefits and risks helps you make informed decisions. Let’s see how stenting relates to angioplasty and other procedures.
Understanding the Relation Between a Stent Procedure and Angioplasty
What is Angioplasty?
When it comes to interventions to improve blood flow through the arteries, two common and often interconnected treatments are angioplasty and stent procedures. The combination of angioplasty and stenting is often referred to as coronary angioplasty or called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). PCI is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat blocked coronary arteries, often involving balloon angioplasty and stent placement to restore blood flow. Angioplasty and stenting can also be used as emergency treatments for heart attacks caused by blocked coronary arteries. Understanding how these procedures relate to each other helps us appreciate their roles in treating arterial blockages, which are commonly due to conditions such as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease and can present with symptoms like claudication, or leg pain with walking.
How Stenting Complements Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to open narrowed or blocked arteries that can block blood flow. During this procedure, a catheter with a tiny balloon on its tip is threaded through a blood vessel to the affected artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to widen the artery, pressing plaque against the artery walls and restoring blood flow. In some cases, an atherectomy may be performed to remove plaque from the artery to improve blood flow.
While angioplasty alone can be an effective way to improve blood flow, arteries may sometimes begin to narrow again over time, a process known as restenosis or re-narrowing. This is where stent procedures come into play. A stent—a small, metal mesh tube—is placed in the newly widened area during angioplasty. The stent expands with the balloon and stays in place after the balloon is removed. Most stents are specially designed to prevent the artery from re-narrowing after the procedure, often by releasing medication or providing structural support as part of a broader strategy to manage peripheral artery disease progression. It acts as a supportive scaffold to keep the artery open and maintain proper blood flow long term
Advantages of Combined Treatment
- Reduced Risk of Repeat Blockages: With the stent in place, the likelihood of the artery narrowing again decreases significantly compared to angioplasty alone.
- Restores Blood Flow and Quick Recovery: The combined procedure restores blood flow to blocked arteries, is minimally invasive, and often allows most patients to resume normal activities quickly after treatment.
- Enhanced Blood Flow: The combined approach ensures that the artery remains open, providing consistent and improved blood flow
- Decreased Symptoms: For patients with heart-related conditions, this can mean relief from symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. For PAD, it can improve symptoms like leg pain with walking.
If you’re wondering whether stenting is right for you, the next section will help you decide.
Don’t let Peripheral Arterial Disease slow you down
If you’re experiencing leg pain, cramping, or signs of poor circulation, Coastal Vascular Center is here to help. Click below to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward healthier vascular function.
Curious If You Are A Candidate for Stenting?
Patient-Centered Care at Coastal Vascular Center
Don’t let vascular conditions dictate the quality of your life any longer. If you’re experiencing the effects of narrowed or blocked arteries, such as discomfort during physical activity or concerns about heart health, our stenting procedure at Coastal Vascular Center could be your key to a healthier, more vibrant life.
Dr. Ayar and our state-of-the-art facilities are dedicated to providing you with the safest, most effective treatment options tailored to your needs. We believe in a patient-centered approach, ensuring you receive the care and support necessary to navigate your health journey confidently.
Why Choose Us for Your Stenting Procedure?
-
Expert Care: Our physicians are leaders in vascular health, utilizing the latest advancements and techniques in stenting.
-
Innovative Solutions: We offer both bare-metal stents and drug-eluting stents, customized to your unique health requirements.
-
Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation through recovery, our team provides compassionate support and clear communication throughout the process.
Ready to Improve Your Quality of Life?
Take the first step towards enhanced vascular health today. Contact Coastal Vascular Center for a consultation, and let us guide you through your options so you can make an informed decision. Your journey to better health begins with us.
Call us now at 713-999-6065 to learn more and book your appointment. Let’s walk this journey to wellness together.
Your health and comfort are our top priorities. At Coastal Vascular Center, we believe in providing care that improves lives.
Do You Have Questions?
What is an arterial stenting procedure?
Why would someone need an arterial stent?
A stent may be recommended when plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) restricts blood flow and causes symptoms or increases health risks. It’s commonly used to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD), including blockages in the legs, and may also be used in other arteries depending on your condition.
What symptoms can arterial stenting help with?
Many patients seek care for symptoms such as:
- Leg pain or cramping when walking (claudication)
- Leg numbness, heaviness, or fatigue
- Coldness in the foot or lower leg
- Slow-healing sores or ulcers on the feet/legs
- Pain in the feet or toes at rest (more severe disease)
How is arterial stenting performed?
Most arterial stenting is done through a small puncture (often in the groin or arm). Using imaging guidance, your provider threads a thin catheter to the narrowed area, opens the artery (often with a balloon), and places the stent to support the artery wall and maintain blood flow.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
Many patients receive local anesthesia at the access site plus medication to help them relax (sedation). You may be awake but comfortable. Your care team will walk you through what to expect based on your medical history.
How long does an arterial stenting procedure take?
How long does a stent last?
Stents are designed to be permanent. Many patients do well long-term, but ongoing artery health depends on factors like smoking, diabetes control, cholesterol, blood pressure, and medication adherence. Follow-up visits and imaging may be recommended to monitor results.
Patient Testimonials
Related Articles
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition affecting millions worldwide. It is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of arteries outside of the heart, most commonly in the legs. This narrowing or blockage restricts blood flow to the affected areas,...
There is hope in minimally invasive treatments for millions of Americans who suffer from peripheral artery disease (PAD) with claudication (leg pain). Angioplasty is a procedure that opens up blocked arteries. This occurs by inserting tiny balloons or wire...
Recent Blog Posts
If you have diabetes, you’ve probably heard your doctor talk about protecting your feet. But you may not fully understand why your feet are so vulnerable — or how closely diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are connected. As a vascular surgeon, I want to...
When a patient comes to see me with leg pain, foot numbness, a wound that won’t heal, or a concern about circulation, there’s one test I almost always start with: the ankle-brachial index, or ABI. It’s quick, painless, requires no needles or contrast dye, and gives me...
Most people don’t know they have peripheral artery disease until it’s been silently progressing for years. That’s one of the most frustrating aspects of PAD as a vascular surgeon — by the time a patient comes to see me, the disease has often advanced well beyond its...
I see a version of this scenario in my office more than you might think. A patient — usually someone who smoked for 20 or 30 years and quit a couple of years ago — comes in because their legs cramp when they walk. They've been chalking it up to age, maybe arthritis,...
Other Services We Offer
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Uterine Fibroids
Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
We’re here to support you every step of the way. If you need help or want to learn more, we’re just a phone call away.
Home » Treatments »