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.

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