There are two kinds of stents—bare-metal stents (uncoated), and drug-coated
stents (coated).
- Bare-Metal Stent
The quality of bare-metal stents has consistently improved since they were first
introduced in the U.S. in 1994. Bare-metal stents provide structural support to
help keep the cleared artery open after angioplasty. Bare-metal stents help to prevent
the artery from re-narrowing and the need for a repeat procedure. The medical name
for this narrowing is stenosis, so when it occurs again, it is called "re-stenosis"
or simply, restenosis. However, about 25% of the time, the arteries may become
blocked up again after placement of a bare-metal stent.
- Drug-Coated Stent
A drug-coated stent is a bare-metal stent with a special drug coating. It has the
same support benefits as a bare-metal stent for keeping the artery open after angioplasty.
In addition, the stent releases a drug over time to further reduce the chance of
re-blockage. Arteries commonly become blocked up again about 7% of the time with
drug-coated stents compared to about 25% for bare-metal stents.
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Watch this video on Types of Stents
Both bare-metal and drug-coated stents have been proven safe when used in accordance
with their labeling. In fact, both types of stents have a similar low risk of heart
attack and death.
There are risks associated with any angioplasty or stent implant procedure. It is
important that you review these risks wih your cardiologist as they may include
infection, allergic reactions, coronary vessel damage, blood clots and death.
If you have received a stent, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions
to reduce the risk of complications.