Everything You Need to Know About the Number of Stents a Person Can Have
Stents are tiny metal mesh tubes used to treat narrow or blocked blood vessels. They’re implanted during an angioplasty procedure, which involves threading a catheter through a blood vessel to the affected area. While stents are incredibly effective in restoring blood flow and relieving symptoms, there are limits to how many times they can be used in the same artery.
In this article, we’ll explore how many stents a person can have, the risks associated with multiple stent placement, and what alternatives there are.
How Many Stents Are Too Many?
Stents are typically used to treat a single narrowed or blocked artery. Depending on the severity of the narrowing, one or more stents may be used in the same artery. However, it’s generally not recommended to use more than three or four stents in any single artery. This is because the more stents that are used, the greater the risk of complications from the procedure.
Additionally, the likelihood of restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery) increases with each subsequent stent. Restenosis can occur when the artery walls become thickened and hardened, making it difficult for blood to flow through.
The Risks of Multiple Stent Placement
The risks associated with multiple stent placement are similar to those of a single stent, but they’re more likely to occur. These risks include:
- Bleeding at the catheter insertion site
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during the procedure
- Kidney damage from the contrast dye
- Heart attack or stroke
In addition to these risks, multiple stent placement increases the risk of stent thrombosis. Stent thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms inside the stent, blocking blood flow to the heart muscle. This can result in a heart attack and may be fatal.
Alternatives to Stent Placement
While stents are an effective treatment for narrowed or blocked arteries, there are alternatives for those who are not good candidates for the procedure or who have experienced multiple stent placements.
One such alternative is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which involves using a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass the blocked artery. This procedure is typically reserved for those with more complex blockages or for those who have not responded well to other treatments.
Another alternative is medical therapy, which involves taking medications to reduce the risk of blood clots and to manage symptoms. This is often used in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
Conclusion
Stents are an effective treatment for narrow or blocked arteries, but there are limits to how many can be used in the same artery. Multiple stent placement increases the risk of complications, including stent thrombosis. Alternatives to stent placement include coronary artery bypass grafting and medical therapy. If you have concerns about the number of stents you’ve been recommended, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for you.
