What is a heart stent?

A stent is a tiny wire mesh tube used to prop open an artery permanently. An artery often becomes narrow due to a buildup of plaque, leading to reduced blood flow and chest pain. If a clot forms around the plaque buildup, the artery can become completely blocked and lead to a heart attack. 

Heart stents are the solution to this problem, keeping arteries held open and reducing the risk of stroke. The process of placing a stent is called angioplasty, in which a catheter is inserted to place the stent in the heart, neck, or legs—wherever the clogged artery is. 

The team of cardiologists at St. Luke’s Health is highly trained and ready to provide you with the care you need. Our physicians collaborate across departments and specialties to make sure you are getting a well-rounded and comprehensive treatment plan, so you can walk through our doors knowing you’re taken care of.

• Improves blood flow
• Reduces symptoms of heart disease
• May eliminate the need for coronary bypass surgery
• Less invasive
• Shorter recovery time

• Blood clots
• Bleeding from the catheter 
• Coronary artery damage
• Kidney problems
• Stroke
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Heart attack

• A bare-metal stent is thin, mesh-like wiring used in patients who might be allergic to the drug coating. 
• A drug-eluting stent is coated with medication that reduces the risk of the artery becoming blocked again.