A stent is a small, mesh tube that is inserted into a narrowed or blocked artery to help keep it open. Stents are made of a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and carbon.
Stents can be placed in a variety of arteries throughout the body depending on the specific needs of the patient.
The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. Stents are often placed in the coronary arteries to treat coronary artery disease, which is a narrowing of the arteries that can lead to chest pain, heart attack, and other heart problems.
The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. Stents are sometimes placed in the carotid arteries to treat carotid artery stenosis, which is a narrowing of the arteries that can lead to stroke.
The leg arteries supply blood to the legs. Stents are sometimes placed in the leg arteries to treat peripheral artery disease, which is a narrowing of the arteries that can lead to leg pain, numbness, and other problems.
The renal arteries supply blood to the kidneys. Stents are sometimes placed in the renal arteries to treat renal artery stenosis, which is a narrowing of the arteries that can lead to high blood pressure and kidney damage.
Stents can also be placed in arteries in the digestive tract, such as the mesenteric arteries, which supply blood to the intestines.