What is a stent
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Understanding Stents: Definition, History, and Applications
Definition and Function of Stents
A stent is a small, tubular medical device designed to keep passageways in the body open. It is typically used to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels, but it can also be applied to other body conduits such as the gastrointestinal tract, biliary ducts, and urinary tract . Stents are made from materials like metal or plastic, and some are coated with medication to prevent re-blockage.
Historical Background of Stents
The term "stent" originates from Charles Thomas Stent, a 19th-century English dentist who developed a compound for dental impressions. This material was later adapted by plastic surgeons to hold skin grafts in place, leading to its current medical usage . The first use of the term in a non-dental medical context was in 1954, and it was later popularized in vascular surgery by Charles Dotter in 1983.
Evolution and Types of Stents
Early Developments
Initially, stents were made of bare metal and were primarily used to prevent arterial dissections and vessel recoil during coronary angioplasty. Over time, the design of stents has evolved to balance radial strength and flexibility, leading to the development of drug-eluting stents (DES) and bioresorbable stents (BRS) .
Drug-Eluting and Bioresorbable Stents
Drug-eluting stents release medication to prevent the artery from becoming blocked again, significantly improving clinical outcomes . Bioresorbable stents, on the other hand, are designed to dissolve or be absorbed by the body over time, reducing the need for a second surgery to remove the stent .
Applications of Stents
Cardiovascular Applications
Stents are widely used in interventional cardiology to treat conditions such as coronary artery disease and congenital heart defects. They help maintain vessel patency and support transcatheter valve replacements . Despite their effectiveness, most stents used in pediatric cardiology are not specifically approved for children and are used off-label.
Non-Cardiovascular Applications
Beyond cardiovascular uses, stents are also employed in various other medical fields, including gastroenterology, urology, and plastic surgery. They can be used to support structures like the urethra, trachea, and esophagus, demonstrating their versatility in maintaining the patency of different body conduits .
Conclusion
Stents have revolutionized the treatment of various medical conditions by providing a means to keep body conduits open. From their origins in dental materials to their current applications in cardiology and beyond, stents have undergone significant advancements. The development of drug-eluting and bioresorbable stents represents a major leap forward, offering improved patient outcomes and reducing the need for additional surgeries. As research continues, the future of stent technology looks promising, with ongoing innovations aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and safety.
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