Stent placement is a type of surgery where the doctor inserts a tiny tube inside a blocked vein to open up the vein and continue the blood flow. The tiny tubes known as stents are made up of metals and plastics. The main and only purpose of placing the stent is to continue the blood flow in the body.
There are two types of stents, the smaller ones are used for smaller veins and arteries, and the larger stents called the stent grafts are used for larger arteries. Stents are also classified based on their location of placement, the condition that requires treatment, and what passageway is obstructed.
Examples of such stents include coronary stents, carotid artery stents, peripheral vascular stents, ureteral stents, prostatic stents, oesophagal stents, and biliary stents.
In Which Conditions Can You Consider Stent Placement?
Stents help keep the clogged arteries leading to the heart muscle open. A plaque buildup in the arteries can reduce blood flow to the heart and cause a blood clot, leading to a heart attack. The buildup of plaque mostly happens in atherosclerosis (occurs due to high blood cholesterol).
The need for coronary stent placement arises if a person develops a heart attack or coronary artery disease or a doctor thinks a person is at an increased risk of serious complications.
Furthermore, you can take a stent placement in the following categories:
If you find that plaque is blocking your blood vessels. Plaques are the cholesterol and other substances attached to the vein walls.
To prevent the weakness of the artery’s wall. This weakness is commonly known as an aneurysm in the brain, aorta, legs, and spleen.
To open up the bile ducts used to carry bile from the digestive system to the body.
Blockage of the coronary artery in the heart.
To open up the main alleyway of the lungs, commonly known as the Bronchi.
To open up the Uterus alleyway, which carries the urine from the kidney to the bladder!
What Is The Procedure Of The Stent Placement?
Stent placement is important for the normal functioning of your body. There are various ways to perform Stent Placement. The procedure of stent placement is done in the given manner:
The doctor will first give you anaesthesia.
Then, he will make a small cut in your groin, leg, or arm.
The doctor will then insert a tiny, flexible plastic tube (catheter) through an artery in your groin, leg, or arm.
A special dye will be injected, so blood flow through the arteries is visible on the monitor screens. I know this method of imaging is called an angiogram.
The doctor moves a balloon catheter and then a stent to the site of the blockage in the artery.
The balloon is then inflated and stretched wide against the artery walls, opening the site’s blockage.
Lastly, the balloon is deflated and gently removed, leaving the stent in place.
The doctor will further remove the tools and close the cut in the last step.
After The Procedure
After your procedure is done, you will probably remain at the hospital overnight while your heart is monitored for any post-op complications, and your medications will be adjusted. However, you generally should be able to return to routine work or your everyday life within a week after angioplasty.
Once you return home, your doctor will advise you to drink plenty of fluids to help flush your body with the contrast dye. In addition, it will be best to avoid strenuous exercise and lift heavy objects for at least a day afterwards. Finally, don’t forget to ask your doctor or nurse about other restrictions.
What Are The Possible Risk Factors Of Stent Placement?
About 1.2 million angioplasties are carried out in a year, but that doesn’t mean they do not have any risks. Any surgical procedure involves one or more risks. Similarly, stent placement is also associated with some risk factors.
Some of the common risks involved in stent placement include:
Many people are allergic to metal and plastic particles, which is why they face this kind of stumbling block. If these allergies are present, there are high chances that the body will reject the stents.
If you find this kind of complication inside the body and feel unusual, or if you have internal bleeding, which shows blood coming out from your stool, do not wait for anything and immediately consult with the doctor.
Symptoms Of Stent Failure
Stent failure occurs when the stent placed in a blood vessel to restore blood flow becomes blocked, narrowed, or fails to function properly. Common symptoms include:
Chest Pain (Angina) Recurrent or worsening chest pain, similar to pre-stent symptoms, is a key indicator of stent failure.
Shortness of Breath Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activities, may indicate reduced blood flow due to stent issues.
Fatigue Persistent tiredness or lack of energy can result from inadequate oxygen supply to the body.
Irregular Heartbeat Palpitations or irregular heart rhythms may signal that the heart is under stress due to stent blockage.
Swelling Swelling in the legs, feet, or other areas can occur if the heart is not pumping effectively due to reduced blood flow.
Nausea or Dizziness These symptoms, often accompanied by other signs, may indicate poor circulation or cardiac distress.
Sudden Heart Attack Complete blockage of the stent can lead to a heart attack, presenting with severe chest pain, sweating, and fainting.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Regular follow-ups and adhering to prescribed medications are crucial to preventing stent failure.
What Are The Side Effects Of Heart Stents
Heart stents are generally safe and effective, but like any medical procedure, they can have side effects. Common side effects include:
Bleeding or Bruising Minor bleeding or bruising may occur at the catheter insertion site, usually in the groin or wrist.
Allergic Reactions Some people may experience allergic reactions to the stent material, dye used during the procedure, or medications prescribed post-surgery.
Blood Clots Blood clots can form within the stent, potentially leading to a blockage. Blood-thinning medications are often prescribed to reduce this risk.
Infection Though rare, infections at the insertion site or within the body can occur. Symptoms include fever, redness, or swelling.
Restenosis In some cases, the artery may narrow again due to scar tissue forming inside the stent. Drug-eluting stents help minimize this risk.
Kidney Damage The contrast dye used during the procedure can affect kidney function, particularly in people with pre-existing kidney conditions.
Heart Attack or Stroke
Though rare, complications during the stenting procedure can cause heart attack, stroke, or artery damage.
What Should You Follow To Get A Fast Recovery?
Recovering from Stent placement is not that tough. You have to take some specific precautions and listen to your doctor. Your doctor can suggest some exercises and diets and prescribe medications such as blood thinners to prevent further blockages. For faster recovery, do what your doctor says.
When To Call Your Doctor
Make sure you call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms that last longer and get worse over time:
Chest pain or frequent chest discomfort.
Shortness of breath.
Sudden weakness of the face, arm, or leg.
Infection, pain, or bleeding at the entry site in your arm or leg
Other unexplained symptoms.
Diet Chart You Should Follow:
It is a must for everyone to follow a healthy diet and focus on their body. According to research, the consumption of fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, and whole grains can lower the risk of heart complications. Some of the things that your diet should include are:
Meat- like red meat or chicken, or alternatives like egg, tofu, nuts, etc.
Fish- those are rich in Omega 3.
Whole Grain- like pasta, cowman, bread, barley, rye, oats, polenta, brown rice, etc
Dairy- like milk, milk powder, dark chocolates, etc
Water- you have to consume water in a huge amount and should avoid drinking soft drinks and hard drinks.
Vegetables- like cauliflower, capsicum, tomato, etc
Fruits- like apples, bananas, grapes, watermelons, etc.
What Are The Restrictions After Stent Placement?
Here are some things that are better to avoid after going through stent placement.
Quit smoking and drinking alcohol
Quit supplements and drug intake
Avoid consumption of aspirin, clopidogrel, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Avoid drinking water during the surgery night.
Conclusion
The purpose of a stent is to open the blockage of clogged arteries and keep it open, allowing blood to flow smoothly. Good blood flow reduces pain and reduces the risks of clot formation. Getting stent placement doesn’t mean your heart disease goes away. You will have to continue healthy lifestyle habits and take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
What are common symptoms after stent placement? Mild chest discomfort, fatigue, or bruising near the insertion site are typical symptoms.
Is chest pain normal after stent placement? Mild pain may occur, but persistent or severe pain should be reported to a doctor.
Can stent placement cause complications? Rare complications include bleeding, blood clots, or re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis).
What precautions should be taken after stent placement? Avoid strenuous activities, take prescribed medications, and follow a heart-healthy diet.
When should I seek medical attention after stent placement? Seek immediate care if you experience severe pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of infection.
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