How long do drug eluting stents last?

Once placed, you’ll have it for life, which your body can safely tolerate. If your arteries narrow again, you’ll need to have the procedure again to correct it. If this happens, it’s usually within the first 6 months. One newer type of drug-eluting stent completely dissolves after about 3 years.

What are the symptoms of a blocked stent?

The symptoms – chest pain, tightness and shortness of breath – can be similar, though. Sometimes, when arteries become completely blocked, a new blood supply develops around the blockage. This new blood supply, called collaterals, won’t deliver as much blood to your heart.

Do drug-eluting stents dissolve?

The Absorb dissolving heart stent is the first and only device of its kind – a coronary drug-eluting stent that dissolves completely in the body over time. Absorb treats coronary artery disease by keeping the diseased vessel open to restore blood flow, but then dissolves and disappears after the artery is healed.

Which drug-eluting stent is best?

Nobori – The top drug-eluting stents.

Can a stent become dislodged?

Stent dislodgement can occur due to arterial tortuosity and calcification, direct stenting, or the inadequate coaxiality of the guide catheter; therefore, adequate predilation may help to prevent stent dislodgement.

Do drug-eluting stents increase heart attack risk?

Drug-eluting stents: Do they increase heart attack risk? Drug-eluting stents, once thought to increase heart attack risk, are generally considered safe if used properly. Stents are small mesh tubes inserted to keep arteries open after a procedure called angioplasty (percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI).

What happens if you have a stent in Your Heart?

The nearby blood vessels may also get damaged due to the catheter. Blood clotting – A blood clot is the most serious complication that can occur within the stent. Blood clots can lead to severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, and thromboembolism to another part of the body.

Can I take aspirin after a drug eluting stent placement?

After drug-eluting stent placement, you need to take aspirin and a stronger prescription blood thinner such as clopidogrel (Plavix) to prevent blood clotting in the stent. You may need to take a daily aspirin for the rest of your life.

Can I stop taking anti-clotting medications after a heart stent placement?

Your dosages might need to be adjusted. It also might be possible to stop taking anti-clotting medications six months after stent placement, but this must be discussed with your doctors. If you’re likely to need surgery in the year after you get a stent, a bare-metal stent may be a better option for you.