Stents are medical devices that keep blood vessels open to improve circulation. Dr. Raveen R. Arora, MD, FACC, in Anaheim, California, is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in invasive cardiology. Dr. Arora and the long-time staff at the private practice take a proactive and thorough approach to patient care. They use stents to treat conditions that affect circulation in the heart. Call the office today to schedule an appointment with the experienced cardiologist.
request an appointmentWhat do stents look like?
Stents are small mesh tubes. Some of the stents used for coronary arteries include:
Bare metal stents
Bare metal stents are made of metal and used to reopen coronary arteries (main arteries in the heart) and keep them open.
Drug-eluting stents
Drug-eluting stents are stents coated with medication that keep the blood vessels open. This stent treats coronary artery disease (CAD), the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries.
Biodegradable stents
Biodegradable stents are temporary, dissolving within a few months.
Stent graft
A stent graft is a leak-proof polyester with a metal mesh backbone. These stents are used for larger arteries like the aorta (the main artery from the heart).
Why would I need stents?
Dr. Arora is an experienced board-certified cardiologist and explains why you need stents after a thorough evaluation and testing. He could recommend placing stents in your coronary arteries if you have severe narrowing or blockages limiting blood flow to your heart.
You might also need a stent if you have an aortic aneurysm, a weakened area of the aorta that causes a balloonlike bulge. The stent supports the blood vessel wall, reducing the risk of a rupture.
I’m nervous about heart surgery. How are stents placed?
The technique a cardiac surgeon uses to place your stent depends on where it’s to be placed and why. Most surgeons use cardiac catheterization to place stents. This is a minimally invasive technique.
For the procedure, the surgeon inserts a catheter into a blood vessel and advances it toward the area that needs stenting. If you have a blockage or narrowing in an artery, they might first inflate a balloon (angioplasty) to open the blood vessel and then place the stent.
What happens after I get stents?
Recovery following placement of stents varies. Your provider gives you specific instructions to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. Most people are back to work and light activity within a few days.
When you have a cardiac stent, you must take antiplatelet medication or blood thinners for up to a year to prevent blood clots. Dr. Arora provides all the follow-up care you need to manage your stent and heart health.
Call the office of Dr. Raveen R. Arora, MD, FACC, today to schedule a consultation and learn more about stents.