Name of the Procedure:

Stent Placement (Non-Coated/Non-Covered), also known as HCPCS C1877.

Summary

A stent is a small tube inserted into a passageway to keep it open. When a blockage occurs in a blood vessel or other tubular structures in the body, a non-coated/non-covered stent may be used to restore proper flow without any additional coatings or coverings.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: This stent is used to treat blocked or narrowed arteries, particularly in cases like peripheral artery disease or certain types of coronary artery disease.
• Goals/Outcomes: The key aims are to restore normal blood flow, relieve symptoms like pain or discomfort, and prevent future complications such as heart attacks or strokes.

Indications

• Symptoms of reduced blood flow (e.g., chest pain, leg pain during walking).
• Diagnosed blockages in arteries that cannot be managed with medication alone.
• Patients who are good candidates for minimally invasive procedures.

Preparation

• Fasting: Patients are usually asked to fast for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Medication Adjustments: Some medications, like blood thinners, may need to be paused or adjusted.
• Diagnostic Tests: Pre-procedure assessments could include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), and imaging tests like an angiogram.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Setup: The patient is positioned on an operating table, and anesthesia or sedation is administered.
2. Access: A small incision is made, typically in the groin or wrist, to access the artery.
3. Catheter Insertion: A catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip, alongside the non-coated/non-covered stent, is guided to the blockage site using imaging technology.
4. Stent Placement: The balloon is inflated, expanding the stent and opening the artery.
5. Completion: The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place to keep the artery open.

• Tools/Technology: Catheter, balloon, imaging technologies like fluoroscopy.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Typically involves local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia may be used in some cases.

Duration

The procedure usually takes between 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

Typically performed in a hospital or an outpatient clinic with specialized catheterization labs.

Personnel

• Interventional Cardiologist or Vascular Surgeon
• Nurses
• Radiologic Technologist
• Anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is used)

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Bruising at the insertion site, minor bleeding.
• Rare risks: Blood vessel damage, infection, blood clots.
• Potential complications may include stent migration, restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery), or an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during imaging.

Benefits

• Immediate and significant improvement in blood flow.
• Relief from symptoms like pain and discomfort.
• Reduced risk of more severe complications, such as heart attacks or limb loss.
• Benefits are typically noticeable within days of the procedure.

Recovery

• Post-procedure monitoring in a recovery area for several hours.
• Instructions may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments.
• Recovery time can vary but most patients can resume normal activities within a week.

Alternatives

• Medication management (e.g., blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs).
• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise).
• Other surgical options like bypass surgery.
• Each alternative has its own pros and cons, such as varying risk levels, recovery times, and effectiveness.

Patient Experience

• Patients may feel pressure but not pain during the catheter insertion and stent placement.
• Post-procedure discomfort is usually minimal, managed with mild pain relief if needed.
• Most patients return to normal activities fairly quickly but are advised to follow specific recovery guidelines to ensure the best outcomes.