To Stent or Not to Stent

Every year, more than half a million Americans undergo an invasive procedure to have a clogged heart artery propped open with a small metal mesh tube, or stent.

“If one looks at it, the easiest description is it almost looks like the little spring that you might see out of a ballpoint pen,” explains Dr. Richard Chazal, a cardiologist with Lee Memorial Health System.

A bit more complex of course, the stent stays in the body to keep the artery from narrowing again. It can be a life-saving procedure during an emergency.

“In the setting of a heart attack or a threatened heart attack this is unbelievably effective therapy that is life saving and muscle saving. So it can actually prevent you from dying. It can prevent you from having disability,” Dr. Chazal says.

Because it is a good option doesn't mean stenting is the only option. Experts consider several factors before advising: to stent or not to stent.

“Sometimes a large number of stents might be required and as you might imagine cardiologist are always cautious about that. One needs to first of all analyze is there something wrong metabolically with that person that might be treated,” says Dr. Chazal. “The other thing is, often if you see a lot of blockage you always have to weigh the risk to benefit ratio to have to bypass surgery instead.”

Medication is also proven to be an effective option, many times equal to stenting.

“In the past we thought narrowing meant that one had to have a stent. We now realize that in a stable patient, medical therapy is a reasonable alternative.”

The takeaway, is to confer with your doctor before assuming what option is right for you.

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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Unfortunately it's the doctor who betrays pur trust..