What is the primary function of a stent?

What is the primary function of a stent?

• A. To sterilize medical equipment
• B. To relieve an obstruction in a blood vessel or duct
• C. To manage surgical tools
• D. To prevent infections during surgery

Answer: (B)

The primary function of a stent is to relieve an obstruction in a blood vessel or duct. Stents are tube-like structures, typically made of metal or plastic, that are placed in narrowed or obstructed blood vessels to keep them open and ensure proper blood flow. They are commonly used in procedures such as angioplasty, where a stent is inserted into coronary arteries to treat conditions like atherosclerosis, helping to restore normal circulation. This function is crucial in medical scenarios where blockages may lead to severe complications, such as heart attacks or reduced blood flow to organs. By providing structural support to the vessel, stents improve the patient’s overall cardiovascular health and can alleviate symptoms associated with blockages, such as chest pain or angina. While sterilization of medical equipment, management of surgical tools, and prevention of infections are important aspects of surgical care, they do not reflect the primary function of stents, which is specifically designed to address vascular obstructions.

The primary function of a stent is to relieve an obstruction in a blood vessel or duct. Stents are tube-like structures, typically made of metal or plastic, that are placed in narrowed or obstructed blood vessels to keep them open and ensure proper blood flow. They are commonly used in procedures such as angioplasty, where a stent is inserted into coronary arteries to treat conditions like atherosclerosis, helping to restore normal circulation.

This function is crucial in medical scenarios where blockages may lead to severe complications, such as heart attacks or reduced blood flow to organs. By providing structural support to the vessel, stents improve the patient’s overall cardiovascular health and can alleviate symptoms associated with blockages, such as chest pain or angina.

While sterilization of medical equipment, management of surgical tools, and prevention of infections are important aspects of surgical care, they do not reflect the primary function of stents, which is specifically designed to address vascular obstructions.