Stent for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease, the narrowing or blockage of arteries in extremities like the legs and feet, is often treated by the introduction of stents into the affected artery. These tiny devices do their best to ensure proper blood flow.

Significance

• People suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often have a stent inserted to permanently prop open the blocked artery. Angioplasty is the process of opening up the clogged artery with a tiny balloon, and a stent ensures it remains open.

Types

• A stent is a tiny metal tube. The Radiological Society of North America describes two types: bare stents are of the wire mesh variety; covered stents are also referred to as stent grafts.

Procedure

• The stent is collapsed to a small diameter and put over a balloon catheter, according to the American Heart Association, and upon inflation the stent expands and locks in place. In a short time, the lining of the artery grows over the stent.

Restenosis

• In some instances, even with a stent, the artery will close again--referred to as restenosis. To reduce the need for repeat procedures, a physician may utilize a drug-eluting stent that is coated with medications to prevent re-closing.

Medication

• Aspirin and the drug clopidogrel will typically be ordered as blood-thinning agents in an effort to keep a clot from forming around the stent. Clots have the potential to develop even more than a year after stenting.