What is the purpose of coronary stents in cardiac procedures?

The purpose of coronary stents in cardiac procedures is to support open arteries. When a coronary artery becomes narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, a stent is placed within the artery to help keep it open and maintain normal blood flow to the heart muscle. Stents are usually made of metal mesh and are deployed using a balloon catheter when a blockage is identified during procedures like angioplasty. Once expanded, the stent remains in place to provide structural support to the artery, preventing it from collapsing again after the procedure.

This approach is crucial because it allows blood to flow properly and reduces the risk of angina or heart attacks associated with restricted blood flow. Stents do not remove blockages themselves, nor do they perform bypass grafting, which involves redirecting blood around an artery. Additionally, while stents can be associated with monitoring in the broader context of heart health, their primary function is not to directly monitor heart activity. Therefore, supporting open arteries is the central role of coronary stents in cardiac treatment.