Stents

What is a stent?

  • Stents are tiny mesh-like tubes made from stainless steel. They are placed permanently inside an artery (blood vessel) to hold it open after a balloon angioplasty (PTCA).
  • The actual procedure for placement of the stent is the same as an angioplasty with the addition of the stent placement.

Why is a stent used?

  • A stent may be used to keep an artery open that has closed or partially closed.

How is a stent placed?

  • First, an angioplasty is done to open the blockage in the area.
  • After the artery is opened, a catheter, which has a stent over a deflated balloon on the tip is inserted into the artery up to the area previously opened by angioplasty.
  • Once in place, the balloon is inflated, expanding the stent and pressing it against the artery wall.
  • The balloon is deflated and the catheter and balloon are removed, but the stent remains expanded and in place to help keep the narrowed portion of the artery open.
  • The stent will remain in the artery permanently.
  • The artery will heal around the stent.
  • The procedure lasts one to two hours

What symptoms may be experienced during the procedure?

  • A slight burning or stinging from the medicine used to numb the catheter
    insertion site.
  • Slight discomfort or pressure as the catheter is being inserted
  • Slight nausea and/or extra heartbeats
  • Temporary chest pain may occur as the balloon catheter is being inflated

What happens after the procedure is completed?

  • After X-rays are taken, the balloon and catheter are removed, but the sheath (IV) will remain in place.
  • A sheath (IV) is usually left in place in the leg overnight until the blood thinning medications are discontinued and your clotting time has returned to normal.
  • A bandage or pressure dressing will be placed over the area where the catheter was inserted.
  • You will be admitted to a special cardiac care unit to be monitored closely.
  • When the sheath is removed from the groin, firm pressure is applied to the insertion site for 15 to 30 minutes until the bleeding stops.
  • The insertion site will be checked frequently for signs of bleeding.
  • Blood pressure and the pulse in the leg will be checked frequently.
  • A knot may occur under the skin where the catheter was inserted. This is only temporary.
  • Bruising may occur in the area of the leg/groin where the catheter was inserted and may spread down the leg. This is only temporary.
  • Most patients are discharged 8 hours after the sheath is removed with minimal activity restrictions.

What precautions should be observed following the procedure?

  • Avoid bending the leg at the hip for 6 to 8 hours after the catheter is removed.
  • If you need to cough or sneeze, hold your fingers firmly over the puncture site.
  • Avoid heavy lifting, stairs and driving for at least 48 hours after you return home.

What signs and symptoms should be reported immediately?

  • Discomfort or sudden pain at the insertion site
  • A warm, moist and sticky feeling, or bleeding
  • Any discomfort in chest, neck, jaw, arms or upper back, shortness of breath, weakness or dizziness

What follow-up can be expected?

  • You will continue to have routine follow-up visits with your cardiologist after this procedure.

What preparation is needed?

  • Have nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
  • It is important to ask your doctor about:
    • How to adjust insulin and food intake prior to the test if you are diabetic
    • Wheather you should take your regular medications the day of the test
    • If you are taking blood thinners (i.e. Coumadin), wheather they should be stopped and, if so, how long prior to the procedure.
  • Leave all valuables at home.
  • Plan to be admitted to the hospital overnight.

Make arrangements for someone to drive you home.

For more information, contact your healthcare provider or email cardiology@highlinemedical.org.