Heart Stents

If you have a blocked artery in your heart, a stent can open it up and improve blood flow. Stents are often used to treat conditions like coronary artery disease, chest pain (angina), or complications following a heart attack. They can help reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath or tightness in your chest and support overall heart function.  

At WMCHealth, we place stents using less invasive techniques that focus on your safety and comfort. Whether your procedure is planned or done in an emergency, you’ll receive expert care. 

Types of Stents 

There are two common types of stents—bare-metal and drug-eluting: 

• Bare-metal stents are simple mesh tubes that hold the artery open.  
• Drug-eluting stents do the same as bare-metal but also release medicine over time to prevent the narrowing from coming back.  

Your care team will recommend the best option based on your health and treatment goals. 

What to Know About Your Heart Stent Procedure 

Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your heart stent placement. 

How to Prepare 

Your care team will give you clear instructions before your procedure. These may include: 

• Do not eat or drink for six to eight hours before your appointment. 
• Tell your care team about all medications, including blood thinners and diabetes treatments. 
• Share any allergies, especially to contrast dye or iodine. 
• Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. 
• Arrange for someone to drive you home. 

What to Expect During the Procedure 

Your heart stent procedure takes place in a cardiac catheterization lab, performed by one of our interventional cardiologists. You’ll be awake but relaxed: 

• A numbing medicine is used on your wrist or groin. 
• A catheter (thin, flexible tube) with a small balloon tip is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to your heart. 
• The balloon is gently inflated to open the artery and make space for the stent.  
• The stent is placed in the artery to help keep it open. 
• The balloon and catheter are then removed. 

Most procedures last between 30 and 90 minutes. 

What to Expect After 

Once the procedure is done, you’ll recover in a special care area. Your care team will monitor your heart and the catheter site. During recovery, you can expect: 

• Lying flat for a few hours if the catheter was placed in your groin 
• Mild soreness or bruising at the insertion site 
• Going home the same day or after a short overnight stay 
• Activity limits, new medications (blood thinners and cholesterol medications), and follow-up instructions 

You may also be referred to cardiac rehab or asked to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes. These steps help you heal and lower your risk of future heart issues.