What Is a Stent?
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of a Stent
The placement of a stent only requires mild sedation. Since it requires no major incisions, there is minimal scarring. The placement of a stent is also a procedure that is relatively short. Compared to a coronary artery bypass surgery, stent placement surgery has a shorter recovery time with patients experiencing less discomfort.
Despite the many advantages, the procedure is not risk free. It can cause the formation of blood clots, which narrow the arteries again. This means that patients who have a stent will need to take blood thinning medication. When scar tissue or plaque forms in the area of the stent causing narrowing, this is known as restenosis. In these cases, the placement of another stent or surgery may be required.
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