Modern medical technology is a wonderful thing. Now, patients suffering from poor blood flow in thier internal arteries can turn to a small piece of metal called a "stent". Stents are extremely small pieces of metal mesh that can be expanded to help hold open an artery and improve the circulation of blood throughout the body. Despite the potential for the stent to collapse, it is still probably the most effective tool against poor blood flow that doctors have today. Even if a stent collapses, it can be reopened. Patients must still take blood-thinning medication even after they recieve a stent or stents. Technology is continuing to improve stents, and one day the stent may be a medical miracle with a 100% success rate.
Credits:
American Heart Association. "Stent Procedure." AmericanHeart.org. <http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4721>. 23 June 2009.
What a big break through when it comes to preventing heart attacks. My father-in-law has a stent in him. It’s hard to believe they make manipulate a piece of metal and make in so small that it fits into an artery. I wonder how smooth it must be to not cut the artery open. I wonder how the inventor came up with such an idea. It’s still surprising how creative someone can be to come up with something so beneficial to us.
ReplyDeleteWow I had no idea something like a stent existed! Medical technology is very rapidly expanding and this is really an amazing thing. People are able to live longer and healthier compared to the past. It is a shame to look back and see what people lived with to be normal. The invention of the stent is truly amazing and everyday there are new medical breakthroughs. Very good idea for your blog, I am interested to see what else you will be posting!
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