Blockage of the heart-supplying arteries causes more deaths than other health problems. This condition is called coronary heart disease. When a doctor's examination finds a blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels, the patient must undergo a medical procedure to overcome this. One of them is by coronary stent placement.

Empower yourself with knowledge. Explore the details of this medical procedure and contact our experts to plan your next steps toward a healthier you.

What is a Stent?

A stent is a little tube that your doctor can insert into a blocked artery, which can occur due to the accumulation of fat plaque that sticks to the blood vessels. 

Therefore, it aids in maintaining the blood flow of your arteries, which are the blood vessels that deliver blood from your heart to other body areas, including the heart muscle itself. This allows them to receive adequate blood supply again and avoid or even treat a heart attack.

Why Do You Need a Stent?

A stent might be needed when the coronary artery is blocked. Firstly, your doctor will insert a catheter into the occluded coronary artery. They can perform a balloon angioplasty to dilate the occluded site. A stent will be placed in the artery to keep the vessel open.

Stents also can open any of the following routes in addition to blood vessels:

• Ureters are tubes that deliver urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• Bile ducts are tubes that transfer bile to and from digestive organs.
• Bronchi are small airways in the lungs.

Just like blood vessels, these tubes are susceptible to blockages and injury.

What Happens Before Coronary Stent Placements?

Coronary stent placements are performed in a hospital setting as inpatient procedures. Preparation includes fasting for six to eight hours before the procedure. 

Your doctor or nurse will tell you what medicines you should and should not be taking and ask about your allergic history. 

Wearing a hospital gown is required. In order to provide medication and fluids to you, a nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) needle in your arm. 

Coronary Stent Placement Procedure

The stent placement procedure involves inserting a tiny tube known as a catheter through the skin in your arm or groin and into an artery while you’re lying down to reach the location that requires a stent. 

Your doctor or nurse will also insert a new catheter with a balloon into your narrow or obstructed artery. 

They will inflate the balloon, flattering the plaque and forcing it against the artery walls. This creates space for the stent to be implanted. Your catheter will use a contrast dye to help visualize the arteries under X-rays.

Your doctor will deflate and remove the balloon catheter, leaving the stent in place.

How Long is the Duration of a Coronary Stent Placement Procedure?

The procedure may take between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Depending on the difficulty of the patient, it may take longer. 

What Are the Risks of Coronary Stent Placement?

A stent placement is generally safe. But as with any procedure that involves going into your body, there are some risks. 

Risks and complications are uncommon but may include:

• An allergic response to the procedure's drugs or contrast dye.
• Bleeding where the doctor punctures your skin.
• Trouble breathing due to anesthesia.
• Arterial bleeding.
• Blood clots. 
• Cardiac arrest.
• re-occlusion of the artery

What Can You Expect After Coronary Stent Placement?

You might feel a slight discomfort on the puncture site. But don’t worry because your doctor can prescribe mild painkillers to treat this. In order to stop blood from clotting, you will need to take medications to prevent blood clots. Moreover, you also need to take medication to lower your cholesterol.

After the procedure, most patients need to stay in the hospital for at least one night for monitoring to ensure that no dangerous immediate complications occur. 

If you require the stent as a result of a coronary event, such as a heart attack, you may need to stay even longer. 

At Bali International Hospital, we believe wellness is unrivaled in healing your body, mind, and soul. Hence, as one of the centers of excellence, our cardiology department is committed to prioritizing your heart health by offering comprehensive assessments and treatments.

Our services include preventive care, early detection, diagnostics, and treatment of a wide range of cardiovascular diseases with unparalleled expertise and cutting-edge medical technology right in the heart of Bali.

Connect with the healing hands of The Sanur, and reach out to our experts today.