Stenting

A stenting surgery is performed in a specially equipped operating theatre under X-ray control. No incisions are made for its implementation, the patient is conscious and can talk with the doctor. Under local anesthesia, a catheter is introduced into a vessel in a thigh or an arm. Then, a metal stent is introduced through this catheter on a special balloon in deflated form. A stent represents a metal cage of a cylindrical shape. Using a monitor connected to the X-ray machine, the doctor directs the folded stent to the location of the atherosclerotic plaque. He then inflates the balloon, which in its turn pushes and spreads the stent (implants it) in its vessel, pressing the atherosclerotic plaque.

The cylinder is removed and the stent remains open to support the artery. At the end of the surgery, the surgeon introduces a contrast agent to ensure the success of the manipulation: the stent is fully extended and the patency of previously clogged arteries is restored. We use the latest generation of stents, they are covered by a drug substance which prevents the re-narrowing of the artery and its thrombosis. Normally the surgery lasts no more than an hour, depending on each and every situation, multiple stents can be installed at the same time. Upon completion of the manipulation a compressive bandage is put on the place of the catheter. The next day the patient may be discharged.