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Glossary Term
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Peripheral Stent

Definition

A peripheral stent is a small, mesh-like device used to treat blockages or narrowing in the peripheral arteries, which are the blood vessels outside the heart and brain, such as those in the legs, arms, and pelvis. These stents are typically made of metal or a combination of materials and are inserted into the affected artery during a procedure called angioplasty to help maintain blood flow by keeping the artery open. Peripheral stents are commonly used to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can restrict blood flow and cause pain, tissue damage, or limb loss.

Relevance to the MedTech Industry

Peripheral stents are used to restore and maintain adequate blood flow in arteries affected by blockages or narrowing, thereby improving circulation, reducing symptoms (such as pain or cramping), and preventing serious complications like tissue necrosis or limb amputation. Peripheral stenting is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical procedures, providing patients with a quicker recovery time and fewer risks.

Additional Information & Related Terms

Design Considerations for Peripheral Stents

  1. Stent Material:

    • Peripheral stents are typically made from materials like stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, or nitinol (a shape-memory alloy). Nitinol is commonly used due to its flexibility and ability to return to its original shape after deployment.

    • Example: A nitinol stent that expands once deployed to fit the artery.

  2. Design and Structure:

    • The stent features a mesh-like structure that expands once inserted into the artery. This structure provides mechanical support to keep the artery open and allow blood flow.

    • Example: A laser-cut or balloon-expandable stent that conforms to the size of the artery.

  3. Drug-Eluting Coatings:

    • Some peripheral stents have drug-eluting coatings that slowly release medication to reduce the risk of restenosis by inhibiting the growth of tissue that could cause the artery to narrow again.

    • Example: A drug-eluting peripheral stent coated with paclitaxel, an anti-inflammatory drug, to reduce tissue regrowth at the stent site.

  4. Balloon-Expandable vs. Self-Expanding:

    • Stents can be deployed using different mechanisms. Balloon-expandable stents are expanded by inflating a balloon at the site of the blockage, while self-expanding stents automatically expand after being released from the catheter.

    • Example: A self-expanding stent made from nitinol, which expands once deployed and does not require balloon inflation.


Examples of Peripheral Stent Applications

  1. Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):

    • A patient with PAD may receive a peripheral stent in their femoral artery to improve blood flow to the leg and relieve symptoms like claudication (pain from poor circulation during walking).

  2. Renal Artery Stenting:

    • Peripheral stents are used to treat blockages in the renal arteries, which supply blood to the kidneys, improving blood flow and preventing kidney damage.

  3. Carotid Artery Stenting:

    • In patients with carotid artery disease (narrowing of the carotid arteries), peripheral stents are used to restore blood flow to the brain and reduce the risk of stroke.

  4. Iliac Artery Stenting:

    • Peripheral stents are deployed to treat blockages in the iliac arteries, which can cause symptoms like leg pain, ulcers, and wounds due to poor blood supply.

Related Terms

  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A condition where the arteries that supply blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked, often treated using peripheral stents.

  • Angioplasty: A procedure often used in conjunction with stent placement to widen narrowed arteries by inflating a balloon at the blockage site.

  • Drug-Eluting Stent (DES): A type of stent that releases medication to help prevent restenosis by reducing tissue growth at the stent site.

  • Stent Thrombosis: The formation of a clot within a stent, which can block blood flow and cause serious complications.

  • Balloon Angioplasty: A procedure where a balloon catheter is used to expand a narrowed artery, often performed prior to placing a stent.

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