A Coronary stent is a device with which a physician utilizes a small balloon catheter (flexible plastic tube) to open up a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle. Frequently a small, metal, spring-like device called a stent is also implanted into the coronary artery to reduce the chance that the blockage will recur.

Through these specially shaped catheters, the physician can thread a wire across the blockage in the artery. Then, a thin expandable balloon is placed over the wire and inflated to open up the blockage. Several balloons of increasing size may be used to reduce the blockage. During a stent procedure, the stent, which is tightly mounted on a balloon, is placed across the blockage and the balloon is inflated opening the stent. Several other devices may be used during the procedure. Your physician will discuss these options with you.

Some people may notice mild chest discomfort while the balloon is inflated. You may be given a medication through your IV for several hours to reduce the chances of blood clots forming. The entire procedure can take as little as 30 minutes or sometimes more than an hour. After the procedure, most patients will be transferred to a post-procedure care area where the sheaths are removed from the groin when the blood thinners have worn off.