Arterial Stenting

Arterial stenting is a surgical procedure that uses a small, expandable tube called a stent to open a clogged artery in order to prevent or treat stroke. There are many kinds of stents, but most are made of a metal or plastic mesh-like material; for larger arteries, a fabric stent is usually used. Stenting is used to treat conditions caused by a blocked or narrowed artery, including coronary heart disease (CHD), peripheral artery disease, renal artery stenosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm and carotid artery disease. Your doctor will help you prepare for your procedure by reviewing your medical history and testing the health of your heart. This process may include a stress test and ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or computerized tomography angiography (CTA). These tests will help your doctor determine the appropriate stent size for your procedure.