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Tuesday, 9 December, 2025
Heart disease takes more lives than most of us realise. Almost every family would have dealt with it. The best part? Treatments are nothing like old times. Technology has made it safer, quicker, and way more effective. One such innovative game-changer is the stent, a tiny wire tube that opens clogged arteries so blood can flow easily.
If your doctor suggests a stent, it helps to know what they mean. There are different types of stents, each working a little differently. Knowing how they work makes those hospital conversations less scary.
What Is a Stent?
A stent is a small mesh coil, about the size of a pen spring. It is placed inside a blocked artery when plaque buildup slows or stops blood flow. This blockage can cause chest pain or a heart attack. The stent keeps the vessel open, helping the heart receive enough oxygen-rich blood.
As Dr Madhukara, Consultant Cardiologist at Kauvery Hospital, says:
“We use stents to give the artery lasting support after widening it. It’s a way to avoid more invasive surgery and get patients back to life faster.”
Why Are Stents Used in Heart Treatment?
When arteries narrow or close, the heart does not receive enough oxygen. This leads to chest pain (angina) or heart attacks. A stent helps by reopening the artery and restoring healthy blood flow.
- Open the vessel and restore blood flow
- Ease symptoms of reduced oxygen supply
- Preserve heart muscle and reduce future risk
- Improve quality of life and activity levels
Studies show that angioplasty with stent placement gives better outcomes compared to balloon treatment alone.
Different Types of Stents
There are several types of stents, each suited for different artery conditions, complexity of blockage, and patient health.
Bare Metal Stents
These are basic stainless-steel or cobalt-chromium mesh tubes. After placement, the artery lining grows over the stent.
How they work:
The metal scaffold keeps the artery open but may cause scar tissue growth over time.
Advantages:
- Simple design and lower cost
- Useful for patients who cannot take long-term antiplatelet therapy
Limitations:
- Higher rate of restenosis
- Used less commonly now due to better alternatives
Drug-Eluting Stents
The most commonly used stents today. They are coated with medication that slowly releases to prevent tissue growth.
How they work:
The drug suppresses excessive healing response inside the artery, reducing scar tissue formation.
Advantages:
- Very low risk of restenosis
- Suitable for complex or small arteries
Limitations:
- Need long-term antiplatelet medicines
- Higher cost
Bioresorbable Stents
Bioresorbable or biodegradable stents support the artery initially and then dissolve over time, usually within 2–3 years.
How they work:
Made of materials that the body absorbs slowly, allowing the artery to regain natural flexibility.
Advantages:
- No permanent metal left behind
- Good choice for younger patients
Limitations:
- Not suitable for all blockages
- Limited long-term data compared with DES
How Do Stents Work?
The stent procedure is performed through a minimally invasive angioplasty process called PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention).
- A catheter with a balloon is inserted through the wrist or groin.
- The balloon inflates at the blockage to widen the artery.
- The stent expands and locks in place.
- The balloon and catheter are removed.
- The stent stays permanently to keep the artery open.
Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days and return to normal activities soon.
Choosing the Right Stent: Factors to Consider
Your cardiologist selects the stent based on various clinical factors:
- Type and location of blockage
- Artery size and heart muscle condition
- Need for long-term medications
- Age, diabetes, lifestyle habits
- Financial considerations
As Dr Madhukara says:
“It's not about picking the newest stent every time. It's about matching the stent to the patient’s anatomy and long-term expectations.”
Advantages and Risks of Stent Placement
Here is a clear side-by-side comparison:
| Advantages | Risks |
|---|---|
| Minimally invasive with quick recovery | Re-narrowing of artery (restenosis) |
| Improves blood flow and reduces chest pain | Blood clots near stent (stent thrombosis) |
| Shorter hospital stay and faster return to daily routine | Bleeding or bruising at catheter site |
| Proven safety and effectiveness in modern cardiology | Allergic reaction to contrast dye or stent material |
Your doctor will recommend the right medications and follow-ups to reduce these risks.
Recovery After Stent Placement
Typical Recovery Course
- 1–2 days of hospital stay
- Light activities within a few days
- Aspirin may be prescribed long-term
- Lifestyle changes are essential—diet, exercise, BP & cholesterol control
Tips for Stronger Recovery
- Stop smoking immediately
- Take medicines exactly as prescribed
- Follow a heart-healthy diet
- Stay active with safe exercises
- Get regular medical check-ups
FAQs on Stents and Heart Health
Q1. What are the main types of stents used?
Bare metal stents, drug-eluting stents, and bioresorbable stents.
Q2. Which stent lasts longer?
Drug-eluting stents last longer and reduce chances of restenosis.
Q3. How safe is stent surgery in India?
It is a safe and widely performed procedure at top hospitals like Kauvery Hospital, Bangalore.
Q4. Can a stent get blocked again?
Yes, but the chance is much lower with modern stents and proper medication.
Q5. What is the recovery time after stent surgery?
Most people return to light activities in a few days and normal routine in around a week.
Conclusion: Which Stent Is Right for You?
Understanding different stent types helps you talk confidently with your cardiologist. While drug-eluting stents are commonly preferred, the right choice depends on your health, anatomy, and long-term goals.
As Dr Madhukara says:
“Our goal is not just to place a stent, but to ensure the patient leads an active, healthy life. Choosing the right stent is a key part of that journey.”
If you or your loved one is preparing for a heart procedure, ask your cardiologist about available options, understand risks, and follow post-procedure care strictly for best long-term results.
