Noncoronary vascular stenting

The aim of this report is to review the current state of the art with respect to noncoronary vascular stenting. A review of the literature was performed, examining the historical aspects of stent design and usage, as well as the currently available designs and their respective functions. When appropriate, we note our personal experience with stent placement in each anatomic site. Currently available stents take many forms: balloon-expandable, self-expanding, and shape-memory alloy. Varied design modifications have been made to maximize the open area, to limit the surface area of the prosthesis, to increase (or decrease) flexibility, and to increase (or decrease) stent plasticity and elasticity. Modifications to minimize thrombogenicity are also underway. The clinical uses of the currently available stents in multiple anatomic locations will be discussed. Intravascular stents are an addition to the arsenal available for prolonging blood vessel patency.