What is the purpose of a stent in cardiovascular procedures?

The purpose of a stent in cardiovascular procedures is to open narrowed arteries. Stents are small, tube-like devices that are inserted into the coronary arteries during a procedure known as angioplasty. When a patient has a condition like atherosclerosis, where the arteries become narrowed due to plaque buildup, a stent helps to maintain the patency of the artery after it has been opened. This is crucial because it restores blood flow to the heart muscle, reducing the risk of heart attacks and other complications associated with restricted blood flow. Stents can be either bare metal or drug-eluting, the latter being designed to release medication that helps prevent re-narrowing of the artery over time.

Options suggesting measurement or administration, such as measuring heart rhythms or administering medication, do not accurately represent the mechanical function of a stent. Similarly, while replacing damaged valves is a critical aspect of some cardiovascular procedures, it is unrelated to the specific function of a stent, which is focused on addressing narrowed or blocked arteries to improve blood circulation.