2006-2007 Senior Capstone Project
When Arteries become narrow stents are used to support the inner artery wall and reduce the chance of the artery closing up again. Build up of plaque, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking all can cause arteries to narrow. Narrowing of the arteries can eventually lead to angina (chest pain) or even heart attacks.
Stents are tested using a stent crimper. Stents are placed in the center of the 12-segmented crimper. Forces up to 300lbs can be applied to the crimp arm.
A doctor makes a small opening in a blood vessel in which a flexible, plastic tube (catheter) with the deflated balloon and stent is threaded up to the narrowed artery section. The catheter is positioned in the area of the artery that needs treatment. The balloon is then inflated. The inflated balloon expands the stent and compresses the plaque against the artery wall. Once the stent is in place the balloon is deflated and removed. The stent is eventually covered with cells that grow around it and the vessel will resemble a normal blood vessel.