Re: stents

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on June 30, 1998 at 11:17:49:

In Reply to: stents posted by larry bishov on June 30, 1998 at 07:38:38:






What determines if only angioplasty is done, when stents are used or not used, or arthroectomy(sp?) is performed, or a combination of all?
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Dear Larry:
Certain blockages are best treated with balloon angioplasty alone;  some types of blockages are less likely to recur if a stent is also placed after a balloon angioplasty is performed.  Much less frequently, an atherectomy can be useful, particularly in blockages with a lot of calcium.  The decision of which modality or combination of modalities to use is made by the interventional cardiologist at the time of the procedure based on the technical needs of the particular blockage(s) he is working on.  Not all blockages are amenable to stent placement or atherectomy.  Factors such as the size and angulation of the blood vessels involved play a critical role in determining the method used.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F25.