stent
A small mesh tube inserted into narrowed arteries to keep them open and maintain blood flow.
Full Definition
A stent is a medical device consisting of a small, expandable mesh tube designed to prop open narrowed or blocked arteries and maintain vessel patency. In cardiovascular medicine, stents are most commonly deployed in coronary arteries during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat atherosclerotic stenosis. Modern stents are typically made of metal alloys and may be bare metal stents (BMS) or drug-eluting stents (DES) that release medication to prevent restenosis. Stent deployment involves balloon inflation to expand the device against the arterial wall. Post-stent care requires dual antiplatelet therapy to prevent thrombosis, and patients require ongoing monitoring for potential complications including restenosis or stent thrombosis.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'stint' (period of time); specify type when relevant (drug-eluting vs. bare metal).
In Context
- "A drug-eluting stent was successfully deployed in the mid-LAD with excellent angiographic result." — Interventional cardiology procedure note
- "The patient experienced in-stent restenosis six months after initial PCI." — Follow-up catheterization report