What’s the Difference Between a Stent and Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a procedure that uses a small balloon to open a narrowed or blocked artery. A stent is a small mesh tube that helps keep the artery open. When comparing stent vs. angioplasty, think of angioplasty as opening the artery and the stent as helping it stay open.

It’s easy to confuse the two because doctors may use both during the same procedure. But angioplasty doesn’t always require a stent.

Angioplasty and stents can treat arteries in different parts of the body, including the heart. But when PAD narrows the arteries in your legs and feet, both angioplasty and stents can help restore blood flow.

What Is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a procedure that opens a narrowed or blocked artery so blood can flow through it more easily. A doctor makes a small puncture, usually in the groin or arm. A thin catheter passes through it and reaches the blocked artery. There’s no open surgery.

Once the tube reaches the blockage, a small balloon at the end is inflated. The balloon presses the plaque against the artery wall. More space opens up inside the artery. Blood can then move through more easily. After opening the artery, the doctor deflates the balloon and removes it.

What Is a Stent?

A stent is a small mesh tube. It stays inside the artery and helps hold it open. A catheter guides the stent into the artery, just as it does during angioplasty. The procedure uses a small puncture rather than open surgery.

How Angioplasty and Stenting Work Together

When comparing stent vs. angioplasty, it helps to see how the two can work together during the same procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Your doctor reaches the artery. Through a small puncture, usually in the groin or arm, a thin tube travels through the blood vessel to the narrowed or blocked artery.
2. The balloon opens the artery. A small balloon at the end of the tube inflates at the blockage and pushes plaque against the artery wall. This creates more room for blood to flow. 
3. A stent is placed if needed. If the artery needs extra support, a stent goes into the newly opened area to help keep it open. 
4. The tube is removed. Once the procedure is complete, the tube comes out and a small bandage covers the puncture site. 

When Do You Need a Stent — and When Is the Balloon Enough?

Angioplasty doesn’t always require a stent. In some cases, the balloon opens the artery enough on its own. Sometimes the artery doesn’t stay open well enough after the balloon is removed. A stent can help hold it open.

The decision may come during the procedure. The balloon comes out, and the doctor checks how well the artery opened. If it needs more support, a stent may be placed.

Recovery: Stent vs. Angioplasty

If you’re comparing stent vs. angioplasty, recovery is one area where there’s very little difference between the two. Both are outpatient procedures that use a small puncture instead of an open incision. They are minimally invasive procedures, and you can usually go home the same day.  

You may have some soreness or bruising around the puncture site and may need to limit certain activities for a few days. Most people can gradually return to their usual activities, but your doctor will tell you when it’s safe based on your procedure and recovery.  If you receive a stent, you may also need to take blood-thinning medication afterward as prescribed by your doctor.

Which Is Right for Your Blocked Leg Artery?

Left untreated, PAD can lead to complications, including leg or foot amputation. Treatment can help improve blood flow and address the blockage before it causes more serious problems.

An evaluation helps your doctor see the blockage and decide how to treat it. Depending on what they find, they may recommend angioplasty, stent placement, or a combination of the two.

Angioplasty and stenting aren’t the only options for treating a blocked leg artery. Your doctor may also recommend atherectomy to remove hardened plaque from the artery. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a stent the same as angioplasty?

No. Angioplasty is a procedure that uses a balloon to open a narrowed or blocked artery. A stent is a small mesh tube. It stays inside the artery and helps hold it open.

Is getting a stent considered surgery?

A stent can be placed without open surgery. A small puncture is all that’s needed. A thin tube guides the stent into the artery.

How long does a stent last in your leg?

A stent in a leg artery stays there permanently. The balloon is temporary. The stent stays inside the artery to help keep it open.

Do you always get a stent with angioplasty?

No, you do not always get a stent with angioplasty. Sometimes the balloon opens the artery enough on its own, while other times a stent is placed afterward to help keep the artery open.

What can’t you do after leg angioplasty or stenting?

Your doctor may ask you to limit certain activities for a few days after angioplasty or stenting while the puncture site heals. Follow the instructions your doctor gives you about when you can return to driving, work, exercise, and your usual daily activities.

Talk to a Vascular Specialist About Your Options

If you have PAD or have been told you need angioplasty or a stent, it’s natural to have questions about what comes next. An evaluation can help you understand your options and what to expect from treatment. Schedule an evaluation with an American Endovascular vascular specialist to discuss which treatment may help improve blood flow in your legs and feet.