Your Stent Questions Answered: Dr. Nikhila Pachani Clears Common Doubts
If someone in your family has just had an angioplasty — or is about to — you probably have a long list of questions. At Backbone Medicity Hospital, Rajkot, Dr. Nikhila Pachani, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, hears the same concerns from patients and their relatives every day. Here, she addresses the most common ones in plain language.
1. What Is the Difference Between a Plain Balloon, a Spring, and a Stent?
During an angioplasty (also called PTCA), a tiny balloon is inflated inside a blocked heart artery to widen it. A stent is a small metal mesh tube — sometimes called a "spring" by patients — that is placed inside the artery to keep it open after the balloon is removed. Some procedures use only the balloon; others use a stent as well, depending on the blockage.
2. Will the Stent Dissolve If I Drink Warm Water?
No. A coronary stent is made of medical-grade metal (or, in some cases, a specially designed material). It does not dissolve, melt, or get affected by food or drinks — hot, cold, or otherwise.
3. Does the Stent Move If I Jump or Get a Jolt While Driving?
Once a stent is placed, it integrates firmly into the artery wall within a few weeks. Normal daily movements — including driving on rough roads — do not dislodge it.
4. When Should the Stent Be "Changed"?
Stents are not routinely replaced or removed. If a stent develops a new blockage inside it (a condition called in-stent restenosis), your cardiologist will discuss treatment options with you at that time. Regular follow-up is key.
5. What Is the Lifespan of a Stent?
A stent is a permanent implant and does not have an expiry date. Modern drug-eluting stents are designed to remain in place for life. Your medications and lifestyle, however, play a big role in keeping the stent — and the rest of your arteries — healthy.
6. Which Is Better — Stent or Bypass Surgery?
Neither is universally "better." The right choice depends on the number of blocked arteries, the location and severity of blockages, your overall health, and other factors. Your cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon will review your coronary angiography report together and recommend what suits you best.
7. What Happens If I Don't Get a Stent?
Leaving a significant coronary blockage untreated can raise the risk of a heart attack or other serious cardiac events. Your doctor recommends a stent only when the evidence clearly shows it will benefit you. Skipping the procedure without medical guidance is not advisable.
Knowing the facts helps you make confident, informed decisions about your heart health. If you have more questions about angioplasty, stenting, or any cardiac procedure, consider booking a consultation with a qualified interventional cardiologist.