Stents

Stents are small, expandable tubes used to treat narrowed or weakened arteries in the body. They are most commonly used in arteries of the heart, legs, or kidneys.

Uses of Stents:

  1. Coronary Arteries: To open narrowed arteries due to plaque buildup, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

  2. Peripheral Arteries: Treating peripheral artery disease which affects the arteries outside of your heart.

  3. Renal Arteries: To ensure proper kidney function by treating narrowed arteries that supply blood to the kidneys.

  4. Airways: Helping to keep airways open for conditions affecting the lungs.

  5. Biliary Ducts: Used in the bile duct to keep it open or drain bile in cases of obstructions.

Causes for Needing a Stent:

  • Atherosclerosis: The buildup of cholesterol, fats, and other substances on the artery walls.

  • Coronary Artery Disease: Narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the heart.

  • Peripheral Artery Disease: Affecting the arteries outside of the heart and brain.

  • Blood Clots or Arterial Injury: Sometimes after an injury or surgery, stents may be needed to ensure blood flow.

Types of Stents:

  1. Bare-Metal Stents (BMS): Metallic and provide a scaffolding for the artery.

  2. Drug-Eluting Stents (DES): Coated with medication that is slowly released to help prevent the artery from getting blocked again.

  3. Bioabsorbable Stents: These are made of a material that can be absorbed by the body over time.

  4. Covered Stents: Also known as stent-grafts, used particularly in larger arteries.

Companies Producing Stents:

Several companies around the world specialize in manufacturing stents, including but not limited to:

  1. Boston Scientific: Known for its wide range of vascular and coronary stents.

  2. Abbott Laboratories: Produces various types of stents including drug-eluting and bioresorbable vascular scaffolds.

  3. Medtronic: Offers coronary, peripheral, and renal stents.

  4. Biotronik: Known for its drug-eluting and bare-metal stents.

  5. Cook Medical: Produces stents for a variety of conditions, including peripheral artery disease.

The use of stents has revolutionized the treatment of cardiovascular and other diseases by providing minimally invasive options to ensure blood flow and support weakened structures within the body. However, like any medical procedure, the use of stents comes with risks and considerations, and it's important for individuals to discuss with their healthcare provider whether a stent is the right option for their particular condition.