Stent Placement
When blocked arteries cause pain and symptoms that interfere with your daily routine, it may be time to consider stent placement. The highly trained team at River City Vascular Specialists performs stent placement to open blocked peripheral arteries.
What is a stent?
A stent is a tiny tube made of metal, plastic, or a specialized fabric material. The expert surgeons at River City Vascular Specialists insert stents into blocked arteries to keep them open. The stent restores normal blood flow in a blocked or narrowed artery.
Why would I need a stent?
You may need a stent if a buildup of plaque blocks a blood vessel. Plaque typically forms when cholesterol and other substances stick to the blood vessel walls, restricting blood flow. The stent allows your blood to flow smoothly, which is essential for good health.
If a piece of plaque breaks off from the wall of your artery, it may form a clot and get stuck in another area of your body. This can cause serious medical emergencies, such as a heart attack or stroke.
What does stent placement entail?
First, your River City Vascular Specialists provider carefully reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam to make sure stent placement is appropriate.
Stent placement is usually a minimally invasive procedure that uses a very small incision. Your American Vascular Specialists surgeon inserts a tiny tube (catheter) into an incision in your groin or leg.
During the procedure, your surgeon may use an imaging technique called an angiogram to guide the stent to the precise location in your blood vessel. An angiogram is a type of X-ray that uses dye to make your blood vessels more visible.
When your surgeon locates the blocked artery, they insert the stent. Then, they remove the catheter and close the incision.
What should I expect after stent placement?
Most people need to stay in the hospital for at least 1-2 nights after stent placement to ensure there are no complications. You may need to take mild pain-relievers for soreness at the incision site and medication to prevent blood clots.
When you leave the hospital, your River City Vascular Specialists provider gives you instructions on how to recover at home. This may involve drinking plenty of fluids and limiting physical activity for a period of time.
For advanced care in stent placement, call River City Vascular Specialists today.