Our coronary arteries are the blood vessels that ensure consistent oxygen-rich blood to our hearts. But often, the pathway gets blocked or narrowed, making it tough for the blood to flow through. Several reasons cause this condition. One great solution is stent surgery.
It is so common that for every 528,188 patients, 55.22% of patients got at least one stent. But how do you know that you need to have a stent surgery? So, this guide will give you a proper answer to this. It will discuss everything about this surgery to help you make proper decisions.
What Is Stent Surgery?
Stents are tiny and expandable tubes that can treat narrowed arteries. The procedure is minimally invasive, and the surgeons put a wire mesh tube inside a coronary artery. If you go to a cardiologist in Sun City, the expert will explain the procedure to you. This helps in-
- Opening narrowed arteries
- Helping treat a heart attack
- Reducing symptoms such as chest pain
The experts perform the surgery with mild sedation and local anaesthesia. It generally takes them an hour to complete the surgery. The stent surgery is not massive as it does not involve a huge incision. But, to perform the surgery, you must always visit the best cardiologist in Sun City.
When Do Any Patients Need Stent Surgery?
Stents are not necessary when you have a stable heart condition. Doctors only perform stent surgery when the condition is very serious. Like for example, if you had a heart attack or a massive stroke, a stent can be a great solution for that. Besides that, there are other times when you will need a stent in your heart. So, let’s know that!
Coronary Artery Disease
Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) often encounter narrowed arteries due to plaque buildup. This narrowing disrupts blood flow to the heart, increasing the possibility of heart attacks. So, cardiologists recommend stent surgery to tackle this problem.
When it opens up those narrowed arteries, you recover slowly and get better. Stent surgery is routine and aims to restore normal heart function. Also, they ease many symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, etc. So, this surgery means relief for patients and a better quality of life. It offers patients more confidence about their health journey.
Recurrent Agina
Persistent chest pain often indicates recurrent angina. It is a sign that you have narrowed arteries restricting blood flow. In this case, stent placement can be an option for those patients. The surgery will open those blocks, widen the arteries, and ease all the symptoms.
Then, it ensures better blood circulation to the heart muscles. This intervention aims to raise life quality, reduce discomfort, and improve heart function. Patients get much relief after the surgery. They can start engaging in daily activities without recurrent chest pain.
Buildup of Plaque
When plaque builds up in arteries, it blocks blood flow, leading to serious heart conditions and many complications. In that case, any cardiologist in Buckeye, Sun City, or Goodyear will also recommend stent surgery. It removes plaques and reduces the risks of strokes or attacks.
It also protects your heart from future complications. Stent surgery ensures that patients can exercise and perform daily tasks without discomfort. It prevents future plaque buildup and lowers the chances of getting more invasive surgeries, such as bypass surgery.
Emergency Situations
During a heart attack or sudden artery blockage, doctors immediately place stents. This can restore blood flow faster and reduce heart damage. For some serious patients with emergencies, stent placement increases their chances of survival.
Acting immediately with stents stabilises serious patients and avoids any life-threatening issues. However, after the surgery, patients need some time to recover. However, the recovery time is faster than that of other massive surgeries.
How Patients Must Prepare for Their Stent Surgery?
Preparing for stent surgery means all patients must follow some important steps to ensure everything goes properly. However, there is little time for preparation if you are facing an emergency. However, here is what you can do to complete the scheduled process.
- You can start preparing by informing your doctor about your current health conditions. Discuss what herbs, medicines, or supplements you are taking. This will help the expert advise you on what to take and what to stop taking.
- Also, it would help if you stopped taking blood-thinning medicines like Plavix, aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen. All of them make it tougher for blood to clot. You must follow what your doctor prescribes.
- Discuss any other illnesses you have with your doctor. Tell the expert even if you have minor flu or cough. This is important because you must know what can affect the surgery process.
- If you smoke, now is the time to quit your habit. Smoking can complicate the surgery and recovery process.
- Before the surgery, take all the medicines and do all the tests your cardiologists prescribe. Arrive at the hospital early to give yourself some time to prepare mentally for the surgery.
- For the best result, adhere to the advice the surgeon gives you.
So, here’s how you can prepare for the stent placement: Choose an experienced surgeon and ensure a quick recovery.
Conclusion
Stent surgery is not for all cardiac patients, so knowing if you’re the right candidate is important. This insightful guide shares when you should go for or when doctors recommend a stent replacement. If you’re the right candidate, you can follow the preparation steps and have the surgery.
If you are looking for a cardiologist in Goodyear, Sun City, or Buckeye, visit Advanced Cardiovascular Center. Consult with Dr. Ish Singla, an experienced and dedicated cardiologist. He can help you in your stent placement journey.
FAQs
Are there any risks in stent surgery?
Yes, the stent surgery is not without risks. Patients may experience infection, bleeding, and others. So, it is very important to choose your cardiologist after a thorough research. They will prescribe medicines to prevent those risks.
What are the advantages of stent surgery?
Patients can benefit from stent surgery. It improves blood flow to the heart and reduces the chances of heart attack. It also relieves the patients from all the painful symptoms of heart conditions.
How does stent work?
A stent is a tiny tube with a metal mesh that surgeons place in blocked arteries. It keeps the arteries open and ensures proper blood flow to the heart, which lessens the risk of heart attacks and chest discomfort.
What does happen after the stent surgery?
After the stent surgery, your doctor will monitor your health. You may have to stay in the hospital for a few times. Following lifestyle changes and taking medicines are also important after the surgery.
What is the recovery time for patients?
Although the recovery time from stent surgery varies from patient to patient, most patients return to normal lives within a few days or weeks.
