What Are Stents Made Of?

Stents are used to treat narrowed or weakened arteries. Common in angioplasty to help prevent blockages from occurring again, they can improve blood flow and prevent rupture if done correctly. The purpose of each type of stent is related to it's composition. In most cases a bare metal stent will be used, but fabric stents are also an option. The decision on which stent to use will be based on the physician's review of the case.

Uses

• Stents can be used in many of the arteries throughout your body including the largest blood vessel, the aorta. Stents can be used in the coronary arteries to help improve blood flow to and from the heart. Stents used in the carotid arteries can help reduce the chance of stroke. Arteries going to the kidneys as well as your extremities are all possible locations for stent use.

Bare Metal Stents

• Bare metal stents are constructed of a wire mesh. This wire mesh allows the stent to be collapsed for insertion into the artery. Once inserted it opens up to conform to the artery wall. Commonly used in angioplasty to open up a narrow artery, bare metal stents are eventually covered by the artery wall as it grows around it. There usually isn't any medication on a bare metal stent.

Fabric Stents

• Fabric stents are commonly used in larger arteries such as the aorta. The pleated fabric, which has hooks on both ends, attaches to the lining of the artery. Essentially, it's used as an attempt to create a new lining on the artery wall. This serves to strengthen the artery and can help prevent rupture. The body's cells will grow to cover the fabric helping to keep it in place. Researchers are also working on using fabric stents for aortic tears.

Drug-eluting Stents

• Bare metal or fabric stents can be drug-eluting. Drug-eluting refers to the ability of the stent to be treated with medications. These medications are time released and allow for repeated medication delivery to the area of the artery the stent is located in. This delivery method helps to prevent reclosure of the vessel and also can help to prevent clotting.

Risks

• There are several risks associated with stents. It is possible to have a blood clot at the stent site, a rupture of the vessel where the stent is placed or an allergic reaction to the stent or drugs on the stent. Anti-clotting medication and aspirin will be recommended to help reduce these risks. It's important to take all medication as directed and for the length of time recommended by the physician. Fabric stents have another risk. They may slide or move down the artery. In these cases the fabric stent would need to be replaced.