Stent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฉบ
Add to dictionary

stent

[stษ›nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical device

A stent is a small tube inserted into a blocked passageway to keep it open, commonly used in medical procedures to treat narrowed arteries. Stents are often made of metal or polymer and can be coated with medication to prevent blood clots.

Synonyms

cylindrical device, tube.

Examples of usage

  • The surgeon placed a stent in the blocked coronary artery.
  • Patients often need to take medication after having a stent inserted.
  • The use of a stent helped restore blood flow to the patient's heart.
  • Stents can be used in various parts of the body, including arteries and bile ducts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science and Medicine

  • Stents are often made from metal mesh or a polymer material and have revolutionized treatment for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Some stents are coated with medication to help prevent blood vessels from becoming clogged again โ€“ a process known as drug-eluting stents.
  • The use of a stent can significantly reduce recovery time compared to traditional surgery options, like coronary artery bypass grafts.

Cultural Impact

  • The development of stenting procedures has influenced many medical training programs, creating specialized fields in interventional cardiology.
  • Media often highlights personal stories of heart attack survivors who credit stents for saving their lives, raising awareness of heart health.
  • Stents have become a symbol of medical progress, often discussed in relation to advancements in minimally invasive procedures.

Psychology

  • Patients receiving stents often experience anxiety or relief depending on their medical conditions, affecting their overall mental health.
  • The success of stenting procedures can lead to positive psychological outcomes, as patients feel more in control of their health.
  • Support groups for heart disease patients often discuss experiences with interventions like stents, providing a sense of community.

Technology

  • Stents have benefited from technological advancements, leading to innovations such as bioresorbable stents that dissolve over time.
  • Modern imaging technologies, like intravascular ultrasound, help doctors place stents more accurately.
  • Research continues to explore new materials for stents, aiming to reduce complications like blood clotting and inflammation.

Origin of 'stent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the name of a surgeon, Charles Stent, who invented an early form of a tube for medical use in the 1960s.
  • Prior to its current use, it referred to a kind of mold used for making dental impressions.
  • The term has evolved, reflecting advancements in medical technology and treatment.

The term 'stent' originates from the name of British dentist Charles Stent, who developed a material for making dental molds in the 19th century. His work led to the use of the term in the medical field during the 20th century, when it became associated with devices designed to support or hold open bodily passages. Initially, stents were used primarily in vascular procedures to treat atherosclerosis, but over time, the applications expanded to various areas of medicine, including urology and gastroenterology. Today, stents are integral components in modern medicine, enhancing the treatment of various conditions, and are continually evolving with technological advancements.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,732, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.