How risky is having an artery stent procedure?

Answer 1

In the hands of experienced cardiologists, and with availability of modern day technology, it is estimated that the risk of death is during a stent procedure is usually less than 1%, while the chance of requiring emergency bypass surgery is around 2% or less. It is a relatively safe procedure and is carried out all over the world. An "out patient" or an inpatient uncomplicated stent case usually require 23 hours or less of hospitalization after the procedure.

The risk of a other serious complication is estimated to be less than 4 and probably around 1 to 2 per thousand, and similar to that described for cardiac cath. The risk of a heart attack and bleeding that requires a blood transfusion is increased when compared to cardiac cath. However, the risks are relatively low and acceptable in most cases when one balances the potential benefit against the expected risk (risk-benefit ratio).

The aggravation of kidney function (particularly in diabetics and those with prior kidney disease) is higher than that expected with cardiac cath because of the larger amount of contrast material that is usually required. In such cases, the cardiologist takes extra precautions to prevent this possible complication.

The stent is completely covered by natural tissue in a matter of 4 - 6 weeks.and the risk of clot formation is nearly absent by that time. In very few cases (1 chance out of 200) a clot may form during the first two weeks after a stent procedure). Such patients develop symptoms of a heart attack. With prompt treatment, the majority of these stents can be reopened.

Answer 2

If you need a stent, the risk of NOT having the procedure is the best reason to have it done. Stents are little mesh tubes (think of the spring inside a click pen) that keep plaque from clogging the artery. If you don't have it done, the tissue or organ beyond the plaque will die, causing a heart attack or stroke. If you are talking about a cardiac stent, the procedure is quite routine. A small catheter (a little bigger than an IV) is inserted into your femoral artery (groin) and then sent up to your heart. From there, the cardiologist will use a balloon to push the plaque back against the walls of the artery. The stent is then placed in that area to hold back the plaque that threatened to close off the artery. Today's stents are coated with drugs that discourage scar tissue growth that could close off the newly opened artery. The two main risks are bleeding at the groin site and damage to the artery. Ask the cardiologist how many procedures he has done. Get a second opinion. Good Luck, and congratulations on being a good medical consumer!

Answer 3

A multitude of variables here. What is your age, your sex, your overall health, why are you having this done etc. This can only be answered by physician placing the stent that would be able to take all of your health factors into consideration and come to a conclusion. Aside from that, any procedure no matter how minor carries risks.

Answer 4

My dad has a stent. I don't remember when he got his though. He's been doing just fine. With any sort of medical procedure there is always going to be some level of risk involved. You might want to consider talking with your doctor about your concerns. If you just want more info about the procedure itself you can look it up on Yahoo! Health or WebMD.

Answer 5

20 years ago stents were a horrible surgery and very risky. nOw they are pretty much a routine procedure, most times they due them thru an angio and they are doen either outpatient or just an overnight stay basis. Depends mostly on age, health, and who your doctor is.

Answer 6

normal risks such as bleeding, or busting a clot loose, which could cause a stroke...but the stent placements anymore are so safe that the risk is low, but it is there. i have been in a cath lab when someone coded once due to a bleed, but he was fixed right up...spent a few days in the hospital, but nothing more than that.

Answer 7

I had one done 8 years ago, I'm fine!