Stents are medical devices that are placed in narrowed segments in the coronary arteries and allow intravascular blood flow to return to normal. They are cage-shaped and come in different sizes between 2-4 mm in diameter and 10-36 mm in length. They are used in the treatment of vascular occlusions. Stents are compressed onto a balloon. These stents are sent through the patient's vascular access and delivered to the narrowed area. Meanwhile, the balloon inside the stent is inflated and the vascular access is opened. The stent is embedded into the vein along with the opened balloon. The balloon is then deflated and removed from the vascular access. Although it is not possible to move the stent embedded in the vein, it remains for life.
The stent procedure increases the blood flow to the heart. Narrowed or blocked vessels are opened by stent procedure, but it does not cure cardiovascular disease on its own. In addition, you should continue to use medications that slow the progression of the disease and make changes in your lifestyle. Stents cannot be placed in some veins. In this case, surgery or drug treatment can be chosen depending on the clinic and vascular structure.
Stent Types
Metal stent is a mesh made of metal wire. Drug-eluting stents are a special drug coating on a metal wire. After this drug-eluting stent is inserted, the medicine on the wire begins to be slowly released into the tissue. It acts on the tissue here and prevents narrowing and obstruction. Melting stents are made of a melting material, not metal. Each of these stents is used in different situations. It is decided which stent should be inserted after a detailed examination by the doctor.
After the stent is inserted, the patient must pay close attention to his daily life and nutrition. The 6-month period after stent application is a period that requires attention. In order to prevent the vessels from narrowing or clogging again, it is necessary for the healing process to follow the medications prescribed by the doctor and the recommendations given by the dietitian. In line with this list, the patient is informed about what to eat and what not to eat, thus accelerating the healing process.
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