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Stent Implantation

Stents are small, metal scaffolds similar in size and shape to the spring found in a ballpoint pen (Figure 3). Stent implantation is not appropriate for every artery.

Before stent implantation, the blocked artery usually is treated and dilated with one or more angioplasty balloons. A stent, tightly mounted on a special angioplasty balloon, is then guided to the site of the blockage. The angioplasty balloon is inflated to stretch open the stent and implant it into the wal...Read the full article