Emery Steele

CPS Case 7 Learning Objective

2. Describe stenting an occluded artery and types of stents that are
available. What are the negative repercussions of stenting and how
have these been attenuated.
A stent a small tubular mesh inserted into arteries (iliac or
coronary arteries for instance) to prevent occlusion and ensure blood
supply is not interrupted. Drug eluting stints and bare metal stints are
the two different types of stints. Both are used to open occluded
arteries following an acute coronary event: most commonly an anterior
MI. DESes are coated with drug eluting materials and are used to
prevent scar tissue build up whereas bare-metal stents rely on scar
tissue growth to hold them in place. They are used because they
reduce the risk of needing additional catheterization surgeries in the
future, although there is still a risk of restenosis, it is just much
reduced. The drugs that the stent elutes are used to prevent the scar
tissue forming, essentially creating an open wound in the coronary
artery. Because of platelet affinity for these areas, dual anti platelet
drugs are used for a minimum of 12 months to ensure that it does not
re-occlude.
Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2015