How does a stent function in treating arterial blockages?

A stent functions by being left in the artery to maintain its openness. When an artery becomes narrowed or blocked due to conditions such as atherosclerosis, a stent is inserted during a procedure such as angioplasty. The stent, a small mesh tube made of metal or polymer, supports the arterial wall and prevents it from collapsing once the blockage is cleared.

This placement of the stent helps to ensure that blood can flow freely through the artery, reducing the risk of subsequent blockages and improving blood flow to the heart or other tissues. Over time, the stent may become integrated with the arterial wall, further enhancing its functionality and reducing the likelihood of restenosis, which is the re-narrowing of the artery.

In contrast, the incorrect answers highlight misunderstandings about the function of stents. For instance, stents are not typically removed after insertion; they are designed to be permanent fixtures within the artery. Additionally, while stents can be part of a procedure that involves balloon inflation, their role is not just to inflate a balloon but to provide continuous support to keep the artery open. Lastly, while stents may be used in conjunction with diagnostic procedures for coronary artery disease (CAD), their primary purpose is not diagnostic but rather therapeutic