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Complications of Stent Placement

Stents are small mesh tubes used to treat narrowing or weakened arteries. The procedure is called angioplasty. A successful angioplasty can restore blood flow to blocked arteries. There are a number of complications associated with the placement of stents.

  1. Excessive Bleeding

    • One complication of angioplasty is excessive bleeding. The doctor should be notified if the amount of blood from the incision is larger than can be contained by a small bandage.

    Infection

    • Notify your doctor if the incision site becomes painful, red or swollen. These are all signs of infection.

    Blood Vessel Damage

    • In rare instances, the placement of a stent can cause damage to the affected blood vessel.

    Allergic Reaction

    • Some people can have an allergic reaction to the dyes used during the angioplasty procedure.

    Tissue Growth

    • Occasionally, excess tissue growth can affect the treated portion of the artery causing the artery to close again. Newer stents are coated with medicine to prevent tissue growth in the artery.

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