What is a coronary stent made of?

Coronary stents are small, mesh-like tubes used to keep coronary arteries open after they have been narrowed or blocked by plaque. Stents are made of various materials, including:

- Stainless steel: Stainless steel stents were the first type of stents to be used and are still used today. They are strong and durable, but they can also cause inflammation and blood clots.

- Cobalt chromium: Cobalt chromium stents are made from a combination of cobalt and chromium. They are stronger and more flexible than stainless steel stents, and they are less likely to cause inflammation and blood clots.

- Nitinol: Nitinol is a nickel-titanium alloy that is highly flexible and has a low profile. Nitinol stents are often used in patients with complex coronary artery disease.

- Bioresorbable polymers: Bioresorbable polymer stents are made from materials that are gradually absorbed by the body over time. This type of stent may be used in patients who are at high risk for restenosis, or the narrowing of the coronary artery again after stent placement.

The type of stent that is best for a particular patient depends on the patient's individual circumstances.