Treating Peripheral Artery Disease with a Stent Procedure

What is a Stent?

A stent is a small, mesh-like tube made of metal or other materials that keeps arteries open and ensures proper blood flow. It is typically inserted during angioplasty, where a catheter with a balloon widens a narrowed or blocked artery. Once the artery is expanded, the stent is placed inside to hold it open and prevent it from narrowing again.

Stents are commonly used to treat conditions like PAD and coronary artery disease, where plaque buildup restricts blood flow in the arteries.

By keeping the artery open, a stent helps to improve circulation, reduce symptoms such as pain and discomfort, and decrease the risk of more severe complications like heart attacks, strokes, or limb amputation. Stents can be either bare metal or coated with medication to help prevent the artery from becoming blocked again.

Understanding Stents Types: Cardiac Stents and Carotid Artery Stenting

Stents are vital in treating cardiovascular conditions by keeping arteries open and ensuring proper blood flow. A cardiac stent, also known as a heart stent, is a small mesh tube placed in the coronary arteries to treat blockages and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. This procedure, often referred to as placing a stent in the heart, is commonly performed to alleviate chest pain (angina) and reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Stenting is also used in PAD, which helps open narrowed arteries in the legs, improving circulation and reducing symptoms such as pain and limited mobility.

Another important application is carotid artery stenting, which involves placing a stent in the carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain. This procedure is typically used to prevent strokes in patients with significant carotid artery disease.

Whether it's a cardiac stent, carotid artery stenting, or stenting for PAD, these procedures are essential tools in modern cardiology and vascular medicine. They help patients manage serious cardiovascular conditions and improve their quality of life.

Angioplasty vs. Stent

Angioplasty and stenting are complementary procedures used to treat narrowed or blocked arteries.

Angioplasty involves using a balloon-tipped catheter to widen the artery by compressing the plaque against the artery walls, restoring blood flow. However, there's a risk the artery could narrow again. To prevent this, stenting is often performed immediately after angioplasty, where a small mesh-like tube called a stent is placed in the artery to keep it open permanently.

While angioplasty widens the artery, stenting ensures it stays open long-term, reducing the risk of re-narrowing and improving overall blood circulation.

What is the Average Age for a Stent?

The average age for receiving a stent can vary depending on several factors, including the specific condition being treated and the patient’s general health. However, stents are most commonly used in older adults.

For coronary stenting, which is often performed to treat coronary artery disease, the average age of patients is typically between 60 and 70. This reflects that the risk of developing coronary artery disease increases with age due to factors like plaque buildup in the arteries.

For PAD, which often requires stenting in the arteries of the legs, the average age can be similar, often in the 60s to early 70s, as this condition also tends to develop later in life.

It's important to note that while these are average ages, stenting can be performed on younger and older patients depending on their health needs and the severity of their condition.

Advanced Stenting Treatment for PAD in Texas

At Texas Endovascular, we combine leading-edge technology with a compassionate, patient-focused approach to serve our communities in Dallas, Houston, and beyond.

Our team of vascular specialists is highly skilled in treating peripheral artery disease through minimally invasive procedures like stenting. We are committed to delivering personalized care that addresses each patient's needs, ensuring the best possible results.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of PAD, don't delay—early intervention is crucial to avoid serious complications. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how stenting can help you restore mobility, alleviate pain, and enhance your quality of life.