Stent Placement (Cardiac)
A coronary stent is a small mesh tube that is permanently placed inside a narrowed or blocked coronary artery during angioplasty to keep it open. Drug-eluting stents (DES) are coated with medication that gradually releases into the artery wall to prevent regrowth of scar tissue (restenosis). Stent placement is typically performed through the radial artery in the wrist, making it a nearly painless procedure with same-day or next-day discharge. Iswarya Hospital's Cath Lab team performs both elective and emergency coronary stenting 24×7.
🔬 How the Procedure Is Performed
- 1
Local anaesthesia at the wrist (or groin); the artery is accessed with a needle.
- 2
A guide wire is advanced to the coronary arteries under X-ray guidance.
- 3
A balloon catheter with the collapsed stent is advanced to the blockage.
- 4
The balloon is inflated, expanding the stent into the artery wall.
- 5
The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place.
- 6
Final X-ray images confirm the stent is open and well-positioned.
✅ Benefits of Stent Placement (Cardiac)
- ✓Immediately opens the blocked artery and restores blood flow
- ✓Drug-eluting stents release medication that prevents re-blockage
- ✓Minimally invasive — wrist access, no overnight stay in most cases
- ✓Immediate relief from chest pain in stable angina
- ✓Life-saving in the context of heart attack
📋 How to Prepare
- Aspirin 300 mg and a loading dose of clopidogrel the night before elective procedures.
- Fast for 4–6 hours before the procedure.
- Kidney function tests and allergy history reviewed.
- Stop metformin 48 hours before if receiving contrast.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home.
⚠️ Possible Risks & Side Effects
- Stent thrombosis — clot inside the stent (rare with dual antiplatelet therapy)
- Restenosis — re-narrowing inside the stent (less than 5% with modern drug-eluting stents)
- Contrast dye allergy or kidney injury
- Bleeding or bruising at the wrist access site
- Rarely, artery dissection requiring further intervention
Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you before the procedure and take appropriate precautions to minimise them.
💊 Post-Procedure Care
- Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + clopidogrel) must be taken daily without missing doses for 12 months — stopping early causes risk of stent thrombosis.
- Remove the wrist compression band as instructed (usually after 2–4 hours).
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 1 week.
- Resume driving after 1 week for elective stenting (after heart attack: follow cardiologist's advice).
- Lifelong aspirin therapy continues beyond 12 months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many stents can I have?
There is no strict limit. Patients can receive multiple stents across different arteries if clinically indicated. However, for very complex multi-vessel disease, bypass surgery may be more appropriate.
Can I have an MRI scan after stent placement?
Yes. All modern coronary stents are MRI-compatible and you can safely have MRI scans after placement.
🏥 Stent Placement (Cardiac) at Iswarya Hospital
Complete spectrum of cardiac services including non-invasive cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation. Emergency angioplasty available 24×7.
ℹ️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment plans may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.