About the Treatment Method
Technology Keeping Narrowed Pathways Open
Although the term stent among the public generally only brings to mind a heart (coronary) stent, its area of use is very wide. The "Double-J (DJ) Stent" inserted into the urinary tract to drop a kidney stone, the "Carotid Stent" inserted into the carotid artery to prevent the risk of stroke, or the "Biliary/Gastrointestinal Stents" inserted to ensure food passage in stomach/intestinal tumors are frequently applied in medicine.
It varies depending on where it is placed and its material. Metal stents placed in the heart or brain vessels integrate with the vessel wall and stay there for life. However, plastic/silicone stents placed in the kidney (urinary tract) or bile ducts are usually pulled out and removed endoscopically when the treatment is finished (after a few weeks or months).
The information on this page is for general health advice. Please consult specialized physicians for personalized treatment or advice.