Peripheral
Stents
Why is the doctor performing this procedure?
To open up a peripheral artery that is narrowed or blocked
by plaque build-up (atherosclerosis), and to structurally
support that opening by permanently placing a metal stent
within the artery.
What is the procedure?
A stent is a mesh-like metal cylinder. Stent placement is
often part of a PTA (angioplasty) procedure. As in angioplasty,
a catheter is inserted into an artery--usually in the groin--but sometimes in the arm or wrist. The catheter is advanced
to the blocked peripheral artery, and a series of x-ray pictures
are taken to clearly visualize the artery that is narrowed.
Then a balloon-tipped catheter is advanced into the narrowed
artery. Inside the artery, the balloon is inflated and deflated
several times, compressing the plaque against the artery wall
and widening the artery so blood flow improves. This balloon-tipped
catheter is removed, and a separate balloon-tipped catheter,
with a stent attached, is advanced to the area that was just
opened. The balloon is inflated, expanding the stent into
the inner layer of the artery. The balloon is removed, but
the stent stays in place, acting as a scaffold to keep the
artery open. The inner lining of the artery will then heal
around the stent.
X-ray pictures are repeated, and if the stent has been successfully
placed, the catheters are removed. Pressure is applied to
the puncture site (to stop bleeding) while the patient rests
quietly.
Where is the procedure performed?
In the Catheterization Lab.
How long does this procedure take?
Angioplasty with stent placement usually takes 1-2 hours.
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