Ask the doctor: Do stents wear out and need to be replaced?
Ask the doctor
Almost immediately after a wire-mesh stent is implanted, new layers of tissue begin to grow over and around it. Eventually, the stent becomes part of the artery wall. When the healing process is excessive, the new tissue can close off the space inside the stent and block blood flow. This is called in-stent restenosis. It almost always happens within the first six months. You have had your stent for almost 10 years with no problems, a sign it has done its job well.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
