Where are stents usually implanted?

Stents are usually implanted in blood vessels, such as arteries or veins, to keep them open. They are often used to treat blockages or narrowings in the vessels that can cause reduced blood flow or even complete obstruction. Stents can be placed in various parts of the body, including:

1. Coronary arteries: Stents are commonly used in coronary angioplasty, a procedure to treat coronary artery disease (CAD). They are inserted into the coronary arteries to help restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

2. Carotid arteries: Stents may be used in carotid artery stenting, which is a treatment for carotid artery stenosis, a condition where the main arteries in the neck become narrowed, increasing the risk of stroke.

3. Renal arteries: Stents can be placed in renal arteries to treat renal artery stenosis, a narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys.

4. Iliac arteries: Iliac artery stents may be used to treat iliac artery stenosis, which affects the large arteries in the pelvis that supply blood to the lower limbs.

5. Femoral arteries: Stents can be implanted in the femoral arteries, located in the thigh, to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) or blockages in the arteries of the legs.

6. Aortic arteries: Stents can be used in the treatment of aortic aneurysms, weak spots in the aorta (the largest artery in the body), to provide structural support and prevent rupture.

7. Esophagus: Esophageal stents may be used to treat conditions such as esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus) or esophageal cancer, to keep the passage clear and allow for easier swallowing.

The specific type of stent, its size, length, and placement depend on the condition being treated and the location of the blockage or narrowing in the blood vessel or other affected area. Stent implantation is usually performed through minimally invasive procedures using specialized techniques to access and insert the stent into the desired location.