stent

noun

ˈstent 

: a short narrow metal or plastic tube often in the form of a mesh that is inserted into the lumen of an anatomical vessel (such as an artery or a bile duct) especially to keep a previously blocked passageway open

Examples of stent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Moreover, the information provided frequently led to actionable insights—in one case, prompting clinicians to prescribe anti-platelet drugs when hidden clots were discovered; in another, aiding in the proper placement of stents that were not flush against the arterial wall. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 May 2024

The company has reported the benefits of deploying Impella devices in nonemergency procedures where doctors place stents, or tiny metal tubes, to open vessels near the heart. —Christina Jewett, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024

The medical team subsequently discovered an 80 percent artery blockage — this time caused by cholesterol — and inserted another stent in her heart to open the blockage after she was rushed to the cardiac catheterization lab. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024

For example, a Lown Institute analysis of Medicare data named the hospitals most likely to unnecessarily implant coronary stents, a procedure whose risks include infection, stroke and even kidney damage. —Michael L. Millenson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Charles Thomas Stent †1885 English dentist

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

stent

noun

ˈstent 

variants also stint

ˈstint 

1

: a mold formed from a resinous compound and used for holding a surgical graft in place

also : something (as a pad of gauze immobilized by sutures) used like a stent

2

: a short narrow metal or plastic tube often in the form of a mesh that is inserted into the lumen of an anatomical vessel (as an artery or bile duct) especially to keep a previously blocked passageway open