A stent is a small metal coil or mesh tube. After balloon angioplasty or atherectomy, a stent may be placed in the artery. This helps prevent the artery from narrowing again.

During the Procedure
First, cardiac catheterization is done. Next, balloon angioplasty or atherectomy is performed. Then:

The Stent Catheter Is Positioned
The stent catheter is threaded over the guide wire. The catheter is moved to the part of the artery that was treated with balloon angioplasty or atherectomy.

The Stent Is Expanded
The balloon is inflated to open the stent. This also helps to further compress the plaque. When the stent is fully open, all catheters and the guide wire are removed.

The Artery Is Kept Open
The stent stays in place. It helps prevent the artery from narrowing again (restenosis).