As the cardiologist performs the angioplasty, he checks the vessel for signs that it may close.
If a stent is necessary, the first balloon catheter is withdrawn and a second balloon catheter carrying the stent is guided to the blockage.
Once in place, the cardiologist inflates the second balloon to expand the stent. This presses the stent firmly into the tissue of the vessel wall to prop it open. The catheter and wire guide are then withdrawn, leaving the stent in place. If necessary, more than one stent can be placed end-to-end in the artery to support longer sections of the artery wall.
Patients should keep in mind, however, that there is a risk of closure, or restonosis, with any invasive procedure.
