Surgery Advice

[lorraine334]

My father had a stent put in 9 years ago - he just found out the stent is weakening, the size of it is 7.8  -  he is 89 years old, and the doctors are suggesting surgery to repair it - they said it was not an easy surgery, moving his internal organs, etc.    Please advise your option   --   THANK  YOU  -  Lorraine - Springfield, NJ

[lorraine334]

Thanks for responding to my father's stent problem  -  we spoke to the doctor about just putting a sleeve over the old one, or perhaps inside like you mentioned  -  I really don't want my 89 year old father to go through anything critical at this time in his life --   we have alot more to think about before we do anything   -  THANK YOU  -  Lorraine

[ed34]

well I have to say I am completely lost. For one, you can't repair a stent. If it's damaged, it would take a microscopic welding kit to repair it. Once inserted, the artery will grow a new natural lining through the stent, so the stent in effect becomes embedded in the artery wall. To remove this will cause a huge amount of damage.
Is there a reason why they can't take the usual, and safer option of inserting a new stent inside the old one to reinforce it?