Understanding Stent Placement
A comprehensive guide to coronary stents: what they are, how they work, and what life is like after receiving one.
What is a Coronary Stent?
A coronary stent is a small, expandable mesh tube that is placed inside a blocked or narrowed coronary artery to hold it open. Think of it like a tiny scaffold that keeps the artery walls from collapsing back together after the blockage has been opened.
Stents are typically made of metal alloys and are designed to remain in your artery permanently. Modern stents, called drug-eluting stents (DES), are coated with medication that helps prevent the artery from becoming blocked again.
Types of Coronary Stents
Drug-Eluting Stents (DES)
The most commonly used type today:
- • Coated with medication that slowly releases over time
- • Significantly reduces risk of re-narrowing (restenosis)
- • Requires dual antiplatelet therapy after placement
- • Used in most routine stent procedures
Bare-Metal Stents (BMS)
Less commonly used today:
- • No medication coating
- • Shorter duration of blood thinner required
- • May be used if surgery is planned soon
- • Higher risk of re-narrowing compared to DES
How Stent Placement Works
Access & Catheter Insertion
A catheter is inserted through an artery in your wrist or groin and guided to your heart. Contrast dye is injected to visualize the blockage.
Balloon Angioplasty
A tiny balloon at the catheter tip is inflated at the blockage site. This compresses the plaque against the artery wall, widening the vessel.
Stent Deployment
The stent, mounted on another balloon, is positioned at the blockage. When the balloon inflates, the stent expands and locks into place against the artery wall.
Final Imaging
The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place. Additional imaging confirms the stent is properly positioned and the artery is open.
Recovery After Stent Placement
First 24-48 Hours
- Most patients stay overnight for observation
- Rest and avoid heavy lifting (nothing over 10 lbs)
- Keep the insertion site clean and dry
- Drink plenty of fluids to flush contrast dye
First Week
- • Gradually increase walking and light activity
- • Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting
- • No driving for 2-3 days (longer if groin access)
- • Return to work in 3-7 days (desk jobs sooner)
Long-term
- • Most activities can resume within 2-4 weeks
- • Cardiac rehabilitation may be recommended
- • Continue all medications as prescribed
- • Follow up appointments are essential
Medications After Stent Placement
Critical: Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT)
After receiving a drug-eluting stent, you must take two blood-thinning medications to prevent blood clots from forming on the stent. Stopping these medications too early can be life-threatening.
Aspirin
Usually taken daily, often for life. Prevents platelets from clumping together.
P2Y12 Inhibitor (Plavix, Brilinta, or Effient)
Typically taken for at least 6-12 months after DES placement. Works with aspirin to prevent stent clots.
⚠️ Never stop these medications without talking to Dr. Bleszynski first, even before dental procedures or surgery.
Living Well with a Stent
A stent treats the blockage but doesn't cure the underlying heart disease. Lifestyle changes are essential to prevent future problems:
Fellowship-Trained Interventionalist
Quick Facts
- Procedure Time
- 30 min - 2 hours
- Hospital Stay
- Usually overnight
- Return to Work
- 3-7 days
- DAPT Duration
- 6-12+ months
Questions About Your Stent?
Our team is here to support you through recovery and beyond.
Contact Us(702) 805-5678