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Heart Stent Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide Heart Stent Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

Heart Stent Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

Artemis Hospital

August 28, 2024 |
Heart Stent Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide 9 Min Read | 228

A heart stent is a small wire mesh tube that keeps the coronary arteries open, allowing oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart. CAD develops when these arteries are narrowed or blocked as a result of the formation of plaque which consists of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. It may cause chest pain, and shortness of breath and is associated with an increased risk of having a heart attack. A stent for the heart, usually placed during surgery referred to as coronary angioplasty, is a famous procedure to treat the blockage in the heart as quickly as possible.

The Heart Stent Procedure

The implantation of a heart stent is a systematic process that involves close coordination by a team of healthcare providers, often an interventional cardiologist. Understanding the heart stent procedure involves a detailed look at each step, from preparation to recovery.

Preparation for Heart Stent Procedure

Before going for the procedure , your doctor will need to ask your medical history , and prescribe certain tests to access your condition.

Medical History and Physical Examination:

Before the procedure, your doctor will discuss your overall health, including any conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Before the procedure, it’s mandatory to perform some tests to determine your overall health and any possible adverse reactions that may occur during the surgery.

Diagnostic Tests

Based on the suspected severity of your coronary artery disease, your doctor may order several diagnostic tests. These can include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test captures electrical signals of the heart and it can help identify irregular functioning of the heart as well as its structure.
  • Stress Test: It determines how your heart rate behaves during a physical exam and can tell much about lowered circulation in one vicinity of the heart.
  • Coronary Angiography: This function test is performed by injection of a contrast dye into the coronary arteries, to give your doctor images of the arteries on X-rays so that he or she can determine the location of the blockage as well as its severity.

Anesthesia

  • Local Anesthesia: The majority of PCI procedures are done under local anesthesia, which means the part where the catheter will be inserted will be made insensitive to pain in areas like the groin, arm, or wrist. This makes you remain conscious during the procedure but you might as well be administered some form of anesthetic.
  • General Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is commonly used, but general anesthesia may be required for more complex procedures or if you have other health issues. With general anesthesia, you will be unconscious in the course of the procedure.

Insertion of the Stent

  • Catheter Insertion: This process starts with the implantation of a thin flexible catheter in any of the arteries found in the groin, arm, or wrist. The balloon catheter is then passed through your blood vessels toward the area of blockage of the coronary artery. Doctors use real-time imaging, called fluoroscopy, to monitor the catheter's progress.

Balloon Angioplasty

Once the catheter gets to the spot where there is blockage or constriction of the arteries a small balloon mounted on the catheter is inflated. This inflation has the effect of narrowing the width of the plaque against the walls of the arteries thus making the arteries wider to allow in the required quantity of blood. In some cases, this measure may be sufficient at least for the blockage to clear temporarily, and in most instances, it is then that a stent is inserted into the artery to keep it open.

Stent Placement

The stent which is mounted on the balloon catheter is deployed by the inflation of the balloon. After the stent has been spread open it becomes a permanent structure that maintains the integrity of the artery. The balloon is then deflated and withdrawn and the stent remains lodged within the arteries to provide structural support.

Catheter Removal

Finally, once the stent has been properly deployed the catheter is removed from the artery slowly. The wound is closed using direct pressure, a closure device, or sutures if needed. The bandage is used to protect the area that has been operated.

Recovery after Heart Stent Procedure

Recovery time differs from person to person and follow up visits are essential part of post surgery recovery.

Hospital Stay

The recovery time of a person after having a heart stent surgery may differ from others. Most patients are observed for a few hours and may be discharged the same day, depending on the procedure's complexity and any complications. However, some of the patients may require admission for an overnight stay especially if they have other accompanying medical conditions or if the procedure that was conducted was elaborate.

Rest and Activity

It is essential to rest and avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days after the procedure to allow the artery and the insertion site to heal properly. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on when it is safe to resume normal activities, including work, exercise, and driving.

Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are crucial to ensure that the stent is functioning effectively and that your heart is recovering well. During these visits, your doctor may perform additional tests, adjust your medications, and provide guidance on lifestyle changes to support your heart health.

Benefits of Heart Stent Procedures

Heart stent surgery offer several significant benefits, making them a preferred treatment option for many individuals with coronary artery disease:

Improved Blood Flow

They do this by widening or unblocking the arteries that were previously restricted and helping the heart to acquire fresh bloodstream to lessen the severity of symptoms like chest pains as well as improve the functioning of the heart. It can improve the quality of one's life, preventing the limitation caused by angina from hindering one from performing activities.

Reduced Risk of Heart Attack

Stents help keep the artery open, reducing pressure on the plaque and lowering the risk of rupture, which can lead to heart attacks. Stents also help maintain cardiovascular health because they decrease the chance of future heart attacks.

Minimally Invasive

It is a less invasive operation than an operation that involves opening up a patient’s chest as done during an open heart surgery where they correct the blood vessels. This normally includes the likelihood of having smaller openings on the body; reasons why it causes little discomfort to the individual; and also why the recovery period is relatively shorter compared to other procedures. It makes it a more suitable option for many patients as compared to other more complex surgical operations that many of them cannot undergo.

Conclusion

Percutaneous coronary intervention or the use of heart stents is a proven safe method of treating people with coronary artery disease with several attendant advantages including enhanced blood flow, minimized risk of a heart attack and it is less invasive. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or general fatigue you must seek the advice from the best cardiologist in chennai. They can evaluate you and decide if it is suitable for a heart stent operation. Early treatment and follow-up care with stents can effectively manage coronary artery disease and improve overall heart health.

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