What does stent mean?
A stent is a small, mesh-like device used to keep arteries or vessels open, often inserted during minimally invasive procedures. Stents are commonly used to treat blocked or narrowed blood vessels, improving blood flow and preventing serious health complications. The device is typically made of metal or plastic and is designed to be permanent, although some stents are temporary or biodegradable. The term 'stent' has become increasingly important in modern medicine, particularly in cardiology and radiology. Stents have revolutionized the treatment of cardiovascular disease, allowing patients to recover quickly and with minimal scarring. The use of stents has also expanded to other medical fields, such as urology and gastroenterology.
nounA stent is a small, usually mesh-tube, metal or plastic device used to keep an artery or other vessel open. It is often inserted during a minimally invasive procedure.
- A medical device used to keep a vessel open
- A device used in 3D printing or other manufacturing processes
"The doctor inserted a stent into the patient's coronary artery to improve blood flow."
"The patient received a stent to treat their blocked artery."
"The engineer used a stent to create a precise model of a blood vessel."
Countable, used to refer to multiple devices
"The patient received two stents to treat their blocked arteries."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of stent
The word 'stent' originates from the name of the German dentist Charles Stent, who developed a device for making dental impressions in the 19th century. The term was later adopted in medicine to describe similar devices used to keep vessels open.
How stent is actually used
The term 'stent' is commonly used in medical contexts, particularly in cardiology and radiology. It can also refer to similar devices used in other fields.