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What is the lifespan of a stent used in treating acute heart attacks #bestcardiologistinkolathur

While cardiac stents are considered permanent implants designed to stay in your body for life, their functional effectiveness can vary. Most modern metallic stents remain stable for 10 to 15 years or more, but the risk of the artery re-narrowing is highest in the first six months

Lifespan by Stent Type
The duration a stent remains effective depends largely on the material and technology used
Drug-Eluting Stents (DES): These are the most common type. They are coated with medication to prevent scar tissue from growing and re-blocking the artery. They typically have a lower re-narrowing rate and a functional lifespan of 10+ years
Bare-Metal Stents (BMS): These do not have a drug coating. While they are also permanent, they have a higher risk of re-narrowing (restenosis), with an average effective lifespan often cited between 5 to 10 years
Bioresorbable Stents: A newer, less common category designed to dissolve completely after about 2 to 3 years once the artery has healed

Factors That Influence Longevity
The stent itself is a durable metal mesh that does not "wear out," but its performance depends on your health and lifestyle
Medication Adherence: Following a prescribed regimen of blood thinners (antiplatelets) and statins is critical to preventing blood clots from forming inside the stents
Smoking Cessation: Smoking is the leading cause of stent failure; nicotine can damage the artery lining and cause the stent to re block
Underlying Disease: A stent treats a specific blockage but does not cure coronary artery disease. New blockages can form in other parts of the heart or even within the stent itself (restenosis) if risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol are not managed
 2026-05-28T15:32:34

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