What Are the Differences Between Angioplasty and Stenting?

1. Angioplasty refers to balloon angioplasty, while stent refers to a heart stent. The differences between them include different materials and indications.

2. Balloon angioplasty, also known as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), is a minimally invasive procedure that accesses the diseased artery through a small incision in the upper or lower limb. The doctor then inserts a small inflatable balloon through the incision and physically expands it to eliminate narrow or obstructed artery obstacles, functioning as a plaque-cleaning device. It is generally made of materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, and polyurethane. In principle, vascular stenosis that affects organ function is an indication for this procedure.

3. A heart stent, also known as a coronary stent, is a commonly used medical device in cardiac interventional procedures and serves to clear blocked arteries. The main materials are stainless steel, nitinol, or cobalt-chromium alloy. Indications include acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, exertional angina pectoris, tetralogy of Fallot, severe pulmonary artery stenosis or pulmonary atresia, and other complex congenital heart diseases. It is suitable for placement within a percutaneous arterial catheter.