Stenting is a medical procedure used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels, often in the heart. During this procedure, a small mesh tube called a stent is inserted into the affected area to keep the vessel open, allowing blood to flow freely. This is commonly done after a angioplasty, where a balloon is used to widen the vessel before placing the stent.
The stent remains in the body permanently and can be made of metal or a special material that helps prevent future blockages. Stenting is a minimally invasive option that can significantly improve a patient's cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of serious complications like heart attacks.