Stent definition in medical literature
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Stent Definition in Medical Literature
Medical Device Definition and Purpose
A stent is defined in medical literature as a small, cylindrical, tube-like device that is inserted into a narrowed or blocked passageway in the body to keep it open and maintain or restore the normal flow of blood or other bodily fluids. Stents are most commonly used in blood vessels, such as coronary arteries, but are also applied in other body conduits like the gastrointestinal tract, bile ducts, urethra, trachea, and esophagus to treat obstructions or leaks 23457810.
Historical Origins and Etymology
The term "stent" originated from the work of Charles Stent, an English dentist who developed a material for dental impressions in the 19th century. Over time, the word evolved in medical usage to refer to devices that support or maintain the patency of body conduits. The first non-dental medical use of the term appeared in the 1950s, and by the 1980s, "stent" was widely adopted in interventional radiology and cardiology to describe percutaneously implanted tubular structures 16.
Types and Materials of Stents
Stents can be made from various materials, including metals (such as stainless steel or nitinol), plastics, and biocompatible polymers. Some stents are self-expanding, while others are expanded using a balloon during placement. There are also drug-eluting stents, which are coated with medications to prevent re-narrowing of the vessel, and bioresorbable stents, which gradually dissolve after serving their purpose 234578910.
Clinical Applications
Stents are primarily used to treat conditions where a body conduit is narrowed or blocked, such as coronary artery disease, gastrointestinal tumors, and postoperative leaks. In cardiology, stents are a standard treatment for restoring blood flow in blocked coronary arteries and preventing complications after angioplasty. In gastroenterology, stents are used to recanalize obstructed segments and seal leaks 234578910.
Conclusion
In summary, a stent in medical literature refers to a tubular device designed to maintain or restore the openness of a body conduit, most commonly blood vessels, but also other passages such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Stents have evolved in design, material, and application, becoming essential tools in minimally invasive treatments for a variety of diseases and conditions 12345678+2 MORE.
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