They may reduce the incidence of restenosis. Stents may be inserted during the original angioplasty procedure or during a repeat angioplasty. This process may reduce the incidence of restenosis.
Coronary angioplasty is performed.
Then a stent is placed on another balloon catheter. This catheter is threaded into the coronary artery and the new balloon is inflated. This causes the stent to expand and imbed itself into the inner lining of the artery, and causes additional plaque compression. Angioplasty may be repeated with additional balloons. Then the catheters and guide wires are withdrawn.