what does a heart stent do

[ferge]

what does a heart stent do and is it better to have open heart surgery

[anacyde]

A stent is inserted into a partially blocked artery to re-establish adequate bloodflow to your heart muscle.  This is highly preferred and far less invasive than coronary artery bypass surgery.  The healing time is almost nothing in comparison to CABG surgery.  Many times, stents are the preferred approach.

[abl]

they put a stent where there is a block in your artery.  So, where blood could only get through with a lot of pressure, it now creates a tunnel and opens up the artery to make blood flow to and from the heart easier.  My Father had three put in 2 years ago, no problem, in fact i think you can be awake if you want.  As far as one being better than the other, I suppose that would depend on what they're trying to fix, yeah?  If you have a choice, Stents all the way!!!  No crazy surgery, or cutting you open, or major anathesia, can't imagine why someone would choose the other, but again, like I said before, don't know what it is that needs treating.

take care!

abl