How long do stents last?

[Blindheart]

Are there any studies/ research into how long stents should work efficiently and when they might need replacing? thanks all

[Robbie1964]

I've seen studies place the lifespan of a stent at 10-15 years but for many people a stent can last for the remainder of that person's life. It depends if narrowing of the artery reoccurs at the site of the stent.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

My husband had his first stent in 2011.

His second last week. His first stent was fine, however there was a blockage of 99% just above the original stent.

[Mlinde in reply to Milkfairy]

I had my first two stents inserted in 2012, eleven years ago and since then other stents inserted but in different locations. I too, was worried about the same issue but I suspect it varies from person to person.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Mlinde]

My husband and I competitively worry about each other.

[Mlinde in reply to Milkfairy]

Sweet!

[mathematics]

My husband had his first stents after his heart attack in 2007 he was only in his middle forties at the time, he only began having major problems in 2021 where after an angiogram he was told that his artery was 99% stenosis or blocked and he needed stenting again. The consultant he saw who did the procedure said stents generally have a life span of 14 years.

[MountainGoat52]

My surgeon advised that I might need further work after 10 years if I had stents to clear my narrowed arteries. I was also offered a triple bypass which he suggested might give me 25 years without further intervention so I went with that.

[gorillaqueen]

Good morning Blindbeart my husband had a heart attack in 2002 and was fitted with one stent 12 years later he had another heart attack and they discovered a thrombosis behind the stent. He was fitted with 2 more stents into the same artery and prescribed Ticagrelor for life. He is now 82 and doing well. So in his case 22 years from the first stent and 10 years since the other two. I hope this helps I wish you well 😊

[AlfredV]

Stents don't "wear out" as such. Once a stent has been put in place, a new endothelial layer of cells quickly grows over it and it ends up completely embedded inside the arterial wall. For this reason, removal of a stent is not really an option.

That said, a stent by itself does not prevent the arteries from furring and thickening back up, which is why it is important to make the necessary lifestyle changes to minimise or prevent the likelihood of a reoccurrence. In the event this does happen at the same location I believe they can re-stent to open it back up again.

[momander]

There may well be studies but I would definitely not google anything!!! From what I've learned after having 2 stents, is they are done to avoid open heart surgery as that is seen as the last resort. The longevity of the stent depends on your body and why it was put in. Perhaps try to ask a cardiologist if you are able

[Bagrat]

Statistics only help doctors not patients as they show trends not what will happen to you.My husband had 3 stents in 2005. He now needs intervention for his aortic stenosis. No problem with stents so far.

He has been waiting since September for an angiogram to check stents before being referred to valve clinic in Leeds. We were told "a couple of months" and my attempts to contact waiting list for info have failed. Please leave a short message and we'll get back to you " (not). Sorry just venting.

[wischo]

It is not the stents as they never wear out but the heart disease that causes more blockages in your arteries, even a bypass does not really last much longer than 10 or so years, although there are exceptions in different people both shorter and longer. Thats is why you get your annual check up. There really is no concrete answer to this question at all.