A stent is a tiny, metal mesh coil that has been placed on a small balloon. The balloon inflates to expand the stent.

When the balloon deflates, the stent will remain as part of the blood vessel (artery) and keep it opened. This will help improve blood flow to the heart and may relieve your heart pain symptoms.

The inside lining of the artery grows over the metal surface of the stent during the first few weeks after placement.

7224 Stent

Patients who have a stent must take one or more blood-thinning agents. These medicines help reduce the risk of a blood clot forming in the stent and blocking the artery. Do not stop these medicines without speaking to your heart doctor first.

Metal detectors do not affect the stent.