Stents

"Allen Herzfeld" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Last September (2002) I had two stents put in my coronary arteries. They
were not the new medicated stents. In February I had to have one of the
stents radiated. The other stent was fine. Does anyone have any idea how
long the stents last? I just never asked my doctor.

I think theoretically they last forever - or close enough - i.e. they do not
wear out like artificial joints might. However, it is possible to have
blockage reoccur in the artery - but not from the stent failing, just from
stuff growing around (or through) it.

Bill

Allen Herzfeld said:

Last September (2002) I had two stents put in my coronary arteries. They
were not the new medicated stents. In February I had to have one of the
stents radiated. The other stent was fine. Does anyone have any idea how
long the stents last? I just never asked my doctor.

Stents can last forever past the period of restenosis (3-6 months) provided
atherosclerosis is stopped/reversed.

Humbly,

Andrew

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
http://www.heartmdphd.com/