Stent insertion is often performed using a minimally invasive procedure. Your doctor will make a small incision, usually in your arm or groin, to insert a tiny, flexible tube called a catheter. The catheter is used to guide specialized tools through your blood vessels to reach the site of the blockage. One of the tools may have a camera attached on its end to help your doctor guide the stent.
During the procedure, an angiogram may be used to help your doctor guide the stent through the vessel. An angiogram is an imaging technique in which a special dye (contrast) is injected through the catheter to make the arteries visible on the TV monitors.
Once the broken or blocked vessel is located and the necessary tools reach the area that needs a stent, your doctor will install the stent and leave it in place permanently. Then, the tools are removed from your body and the incision is closed.
You will be given local anaesthesia during the procedure. This means that you will be awake, but the affected area will be numbed. Your doctor may also give you a sedative to help you relax.
You may need to stay in the hospital overnight after stent insertion. However, if the stent insertion is needed because of an emergency, such as a stroke or heart attack, you will need to stay in the hospital longer. The recommended length of stay in Russian Federation is around 7 days since you need to let your body recover before travelling and you will need to attend a follow-up checkup.
Most people are able to return to work and most normal activities within 5-7 days following successful stent insertion surgery. However, strenuous activities, such as vigorous exercise and heavy lifting, should be avoided for several weeks.
During your recovery period, your doctor will prescribe antiplatelet drugs, which can help prevent blood clots from forming near the stent. You may need to take the antiplatelet drug daily for an indefinite period of time after stent insertion.
Healthy lifestyle changes are vital after stent insertion to prevent plaque building up in the body and to prevent further complications. It is recommended that you:
Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
Reduce stress.
You may need to attend regular follow-up appointments, usually every six months for the first year of your stent insertion. During these appointments, your doctor will evaluate your medications, monitor your progress, determine how the stent is working for you, and check the status of your disease. You can choose to have the follow-up appointments in your home country if you cannot go back and forth to Russian Federation.
Stent insertion is a generally safe procedure with a high success rate. It is one of the most effective methods to keep a blocked passageway open.
Although it is very safe, you need to remember that any surgical procedure has risks. For stent insertion, the risks include breathing problems, infection, bleeding, blood clots, heart attack, and the re-narrowing of the artery.
In some very rare cases, stent insertion may also cause strokes and seizures. There is also a very slight chance that your body will reject the stent.
Depending on your specific condition, doctors may sometimes offer medication as an alternative to a stent. For plaques or fatty deposits in the blood vessels, your doctor may offer a procedure to remove the fatty deposits (percutaneous transluminal coronary rotational atherectomy – PTCRA) or a procedure to burn the fatty deposits (percutaneous laser coronary angioplasty). For some patients, coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is also an alternative option.
Before the procedure, you may have a blockage in a passageway in your body, such as your artery, ureters, and bile ducts. The blockage can be dangerous and cause painful symptoms. After successful stent insertion, the symptoms should be reduced. You can go back to living a full and active life after your stent insertion.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers. This content was last updated on 29/11/2023.
The Russian Federation, or Russia, is a transcontinental country that stretches over a vast expanse of Eastern Europe and northern Asia. Once a mighty tsarist empire and a communist superpower, this massive country is enigmatic, intimidating, and fascinating all at the same time. It has everything, from the idyllic countryside and historic cities to scenic beauty and artistic riches. Today, Russia is a famous medical tourism destination. The number of medical tourists seeking high-quality healthcare continues to double each year. These medical tourists mainly come from Asian countries, such as China, South Korea, India, Japan, and Vietnam. They come to receive a wide range of medical care, with IVF treatment, dental services, cosmetic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery being the most sought-after.
Most visitors are drawn to the western part of the country, particularly to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Moscow, the capital of Russia, is popular for its show-stopping architecture, rich history, amazing culture, and great food. Some of the most famous landmarks are the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Red Square and the Lenin Mausoleum, the Moscow Kremlin, The Tretiakov Gallery, and the Wooden Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. St. Petersburg, Russia’s second city and imperial capital, is one of the most gracious cities in Europe. People come to this city to visit the State Hermitage Museum, the Grand Palace, and Catherine Park.
There are four seasons in Russia. December to February are the winter months, which is cold and snowy, with short days and long nights. The average temperature during this season is around -10°C to 3°C. Spring comes in March, bringing warmer, but rainy weather. Summer, from June to August, is hot and humid, with an average temperature of around 12°C to 26°C. The weather can be quite unpredictable in the summer, and downpours can come unexpectedly. Autumn is from September to October and is warm and pleasant.
The largest airport in Russia that receive the most international flights is Sheremetyevo Alexander S. Pushkin International Airport in Moscow. It serves both domestic and international flights to many cities around the globe. Since Russia is the world’s largest territory, internal flights are the fastest and most convenient way to get around. Trains have an extensive network, and, with many comfortable overnight services, is considered as the best way to get around. Buses are a great option to travel to the areas not covered by the train. Some really remote destinations may only be reached by private cars or taxis. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and widely available.
Nationals of 62 nations, including Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, North Macedonia, and Hong Kong, can visit and stay in Russia without a visa for a period of 14 to 90 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement need a visa to enter. Electronic visas are available for citizens of several countries, including all EU countries, China, and India.