Hey everyone! Let’s talk about the different types of coronary stents available today. Stents play a crucial role in treating blocked arteries, and there are a few key types you should know about:
Bare-Metal Stents (BMS)These were the first-generation stents made entirely of metal. They’re effective in keeping arteries open, but over time, they have a higher chance of causing restenosis (when the artery narrows again).
Drug-Eluting Stents (DES)DES are coated with medications that help reduce the risk of restenosis by preventing unwanted tissue growth. However, they often require you to stay on blood-thinning medication longer to prevent blood clots (thrombus).
Biodegradable Polymer StentsThis is the newest type of stent! It dissolves over time after supporting the artery, which means less need for prolonged medication and a more natural recovery.
If you’ve had experience with any of these stents or have questions, feel free to share or ask! Let's support each other with helpful info.
Great breakdown of the stent types! My dad had a drug-eluting stent placed after his angioplasty last year, and while the recovery went well, the extended blood thinner use was something we hadn’t fully anticipated. It’s reassuring to see newer options like biodegradable stents coming into play—they seem promising, especially for younger patients who want long-term flexibility. Always worth discussing all options with the cardiologist to weigh the benefits and long-term impact. _____ Team ICD 10 Codes