Venous Stents: Revolutionizing Vascular Health and Blood Circulation
Author : Priyanka | December 13, 2023
Maintaining proper blood circulation is essential for everyone aiming to achieve robust vascular health. Venous stents emerge as a groundbreaking marvel in the realm of healthcare. These innovative medically engineered devices hold the power to restore circulation, alleviate symptoms, and transform lives.
So let's explore the benefits of this tiny device while discussing its positive impact and recent advancements in this field.
What are Venous Stents?
Venous stents are metal mesh tubes that are used to treat blocked or narrowed veins by acting as a scaffold to keep the veins open. They are commonly used in the treatment of venous disorders and chronic venous disease. These stents are often placed in the iliac and femoral veins to address venous outflow obstruction and improve blood flow.
The procedure involves implanting a stent to open the blocked vein and allow for easier blood flow. These stents can be found in the legs, chest, and abdomen to address residual venous obstruction. Venous stenting has gained popularity over the past decade as awareness of its effectiveness has increased. As per the recent report published by Kings Research, the global venous stent market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.40% to reach $2,809.7 million in revenue by 2030.
What Does the Venous Stenting Process Include?
Venous stents are primarily used to improve vascular health by treating vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).
The procedure for venous stenting involves the following steps:
- Pre-procedural evaluation: Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation to assess the severity and location of the venous obstruction. This evaluation may include imaging techniques such as ultrasound and venography.
- Stent placement: During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision and inserts a catheter into the affected vein. The stent, mounted on a balloon, is then guided to the site of the blockage. The balloon is inflated, expanding the stent and pushing it against the vein walls. This opens up the blocked or narrowed vein, allowing for improved blood flow.
- Stent deployment and removal of the balloon: Once the stent is placed, the balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the stent in position to support the vein. The stent remains in the vein permanently, providing structural support and preventing the vein from collapsing or narrowing again.
The National Institute of Health suggests that venous stenting is an alternative to traditional surgery for symptomatic iliocaval venous obstruction, which contributes to chronic venous insufficiency and hypertension.
Exploring the Key Benefits of Venous Stents in the Healthcare Sector
Some benefits offered by venous stents are:
- Improved blood flow
- Address venous blockage
- Providing life-saving treatments in various medical situations
- Faster recovery time
- Minimal procedure duration
- Less risk and complications after the operation
Recent Research and Advancements in Venous Stent Technology
The key research and advancements in venous stenting technology
- Bioabsorbable Stents
Bioabsorbable stents are a type of stent that gradually dissolves over time within the body. They are designed to provide temporary support to the vein or artery and then naturally break down, eliminating the need for long-term implantation. Research is being conducted to develop bioabsorbable stents for venous applications, similar to their use in coronary arteries.
- Customized Designs
Advances in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, have opened up possibilities for creating customized venous stents. This technology allows for patient-specific and location-specific solutions to improve both cellular compatibility and mechanical properties. Researchers are exploring the use of additive manufacturing to design personalized shape-memory stents. Customized stents can potentially improve treatment outcomes by better fitting the patient's anatomy and addressing specific needs.
- Advancements in Stent Design
Ongoing research aims to refine the design, structure, and materials used in stents. This includes advancements in polymer science and stent design to enhance the performance and durability of the stents. The goal is to develop stents that provide optimal support, improve blood flow, and minimize the risk of complications.
How can Venous Stents Positively Impact Vascular Health?
Venous stents play a crucial role in enhancing vascular well-being by reinstating blood circulation in obstructed or constricted veins. This helps prevent the recurrence of blood clots, relieves symptoms such as pain and swelling, and maintains normal organ function. Utilizing minimally invasive procedures, these stents necessitate smaller incisions and reduce the duration of hospital stays.
These stents are permanent implants that provide long-lasting support and improve blood flow in the veins. However, their removal can be challenging, but in certain cases, they can be removed.
Additionally, These stents aid in preserving organ function, safeguarding tissue from damage, and ensuring adequate blood flow.
Bottom Line
Venous stents have revolutionized the field of vascular health by providing a minimally invasive solution to venous disorders. These remarkable devices offer numerous benefits, including improved blood flow, prevention of recurrent blood clots, alleviation of symptoms, preservation of organ function, and the potential for customized treatment. With their ability to restore circulation and enhance quality of life, these stents have become a beacon of hope for those affected by venous disorders. As research and advancements continue to evolve, the future holds even greater promise for the transformative impact of venous stents on vascular health.