What is Stenting?
What is Stenting?
Stenting is a medical procedure that involves the placement of a small, mesh-like tube called a stent into a blood vessel or duct within the body to help keep it open and maintain proper blood flow or fluid passage. Stents are typically made of metal or synthetic materials and are designed to provide structural support to the vessel walls, preventing them from collapsing or narrowing.
Stenting is commonly used in various medical contexts, including:
- Coronary Artery Stenting: In cardiology, stents are often used to treat coronary artery disease. A coronary stent is inserted into a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. This helps alleviate symptoms such as chest pain (angina) and can also be a part of a treatment strategy for heart attacks.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease Stenting: Stents can be used to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the peripheral arteries, which are the arteries outside of the heart and brain. This can improve blood circulation to the legs, arms, or other areas of the body.
- Renal Artery Stenting: Renal artery stenting is used to treat stenosis (narrowing) of the renal arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. This procedure can help manage high blood pressure or improve kidney function.
- Biliary Stenting: Stents are used in the bile ducts to treat obstructions or strictures that can occur due to conditions like gallstones or tumors. Biliary stents help maintain the flow of bile from the liver to the intestine.
- Esophageal and Gastrointestinal Stenting: Stents may be used to treat narrowing or blockage in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. This can help relieve symptoms and maintain the passage of food and fluids.
- Ureteral Stenting: Ureteral stents are used to treat obstructions or strictures in the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. They help ensure proper urine flow.
The stenting procedure is often performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as angiography or endoscopy, which involve inserting a catheter through a small incision or natural body opening. The stent is delivered to the targeted area and then expanded to the desired size, providing support to the vessel walls.
It’s important to note that while stenting can be highly effective in many cases, it may not be suitable for everyone, and the decision to use a stent is based on the individual patient’s medical condition, overall health, and other factors.
In our Shanmuga Hospital, we have the well equipped CATH LAB for the Best Treatment for Cardiology, Neurology and many other procedures.
