How long can you live with a stent?

As a healthcare professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with information regarding the longevity of a stent implantation. Stents are small mesh tubes that are used to treat narrowed or weakened arteries due to atherosclerosis. There are two main types of stents: bare metal stents (BMS) and drug-eluting stents (DES). The lifespan of a stent can vary depending on several factors, including the type of stent, the patient's overall health, and how well the patient adheres to a prescribed treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes and medications to prevent re-narrowing of the artery. Drug-eluting stents are designed to reduce the risk of re-narrowing by slowly releasing a drug that inhibits the growth of cells that can cause the artery to narrow again. Studies have shown that the risk of re-narrowing, or re-obstruction, is generally about 1 to 2 percent for either type of stent when looking at data from four to five years after the procedure. However, it's important to note that while DES may have a slightly higher re-obstruction rate compared to BMS, they are still considered effective in reducing the need for repeat procedures. Patients who receive a stent should expect to live with it for the rest of their lives. Stents are made from materials that are compatible with the human body and are designed to be permanent implants. With proper care and management of underlying conditions, there is no set limit on how long a person can live with a stent. However, it is crucial to follow the advice of healthcare professionals to maximize the benefits and longevity of the stent.

More than a year after therapy, it may be a bit higher than with bare metal stents. Even though drug eluting stents have a higher re-obstruction rate, most studies go only four to five years after stenting and indicate that the risk of re-obstruction is generally about 1 to 2 percent for either type of stent.