What are the Different Types of Stents for PAD?

Understanding the Types of Stents Used for PAD

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a vascular condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, typically affecting the legs. Left untreated, PAD can lead to pain, ulcers, and even amputation in severe cases. One of the most effective treatments for PAD is a stent placement, which helps to keep arteries open and restore proper blood flow. However, not all stents are the same—different types are used depending on the patient’s stage of PAD and the location of the blockage. In this blog post, we will explore the various types of stents used for treating PAD. 

What is a Stent?

A stent is a small, expandable tube made of metal or plastic inserted into a blocked artery to keep it open. It supports the artery walls, prevents re-narrowing (restenosis), and improves blood flow. Stents are usually implanted during an angioplasty procedure to provide additional structural support to the artery.

Types of Stents Used for PAD Treatment

1. Bare-Metal Stents (BMS)

Bare-metal stents (BMS) are made of metal, typically stainless steel or cobalt-chromium alloy. They provide a scaffold to keep the artery open and offer immediate mechanical support, but there is a higher risk of restenosis. 

2. Drug-Eluting Stents (DES)

Drug-eluting stents (DES) are coated with medications that slowly release over time to prevent excessive tissue growth and reduce restenosis. Compared to bare-metal stents, DES has a reduced risk of restenosis and longer-lasting results in many patients, reducing the need for repeat procedures.

3. Self-Expanding Stents

Self-expanding stents are made of nitinol, a flexible metal alloy that expands once deployed in the artery. These stents are designed to easily adjust to changes in movement and the natural pressures within the arteries, making them ideal for treating long and complicated blockages in patients with PAD. 

4. Balloon-Expandable Stents

These stents are attached to a balloon catheter and expand when the balloon is inflated. They are commonly used in hard or calcified arteries where careful positioning is important.

Choosing the Right Stent for PAD 

The choice of stent depends on several factors, including:

• The severity of artery blockage: More severe cases may require drug-eluting stents.
• Location of the blockage: Self-expanding stents are preferred for arteries that experience a lot of movement (e.g., femoral artery in the leg).
• Patient’s medical history: Those who cannot take long-term blood thinners may not be candidates for drug-eluting stents.
• Cost and availability: Some stents are more expensive or less available than others, influencing the decision-making process

How Long Do Stents Last?

The longevity of a stent depends on several factors, including the type of stent used, the patient’s overall health, and adherence to post-procedure care.

• Bare-Metal Stents (BMS): These can last indefinitely but have a higher risk of restenosis, which may require additional intervention within a few years.
• Drug-Eluting Stents (DES): Designed to reduce restenosis, these stents have a longer effective lifespan, often lasting over a decade.
• Self-Expanding and Balloon-Expandable Stents: Their durability varies depending on placement location and artery movement but generally lasts for many years.

To help stents last longer, patients should focus on living a healthy lifestyle, following their doctor’s advice on medications, and having regular check-ups to monitor their vascular health.

Benefits of Stents

Stent placement offers several benefits for individuals with PAD, including:

• Improved Blood Flow: Stents help restore normal circulation by keeping arteries open.
• Minimally Invasive Procedure: Compared to traditional surgery, stent placement requires only a small incision, reducing recovery time and complications.
• Reduced Symptoms: Patients often experience relief from symptoms and improved mobility shortly after the procedure.
• Lower Risk of Amputation: Stents help prevent severe complications that can lead to limb loss by restoring blood flow.
• Long-Term Effectiveness: Many modern stents, especially drug-eluting and self-expanding types, offer durable solutions that reduce the need for repeat procedures.

Learn More About Stents with American Endovascular

Stents play an important role in treating PAD by restoring blood flow and preventing complications. By understanding the different types of stents, you and your physician can make informed decisions about the best treatment for you. At American Endovascular, we specialize in minimally invasive treatments for PAD, including stent placements. With outpatient centers in New York and New Jersey, our highly skilled vascular specialists are dedicated to providing high-quality care through the latest minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. Please schedule an appointment today to learn more about stent placements and how we can help you relieve your PAD symptoms.