Answer:
Stainless steel mesh tubes, commonly known as stents, are frequently employed alongside balloon catheters to expand and support coronary arteries during medical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stainless steel mesh tubes, or stents, play a vital role in angioplasty procedures. When a balloon catheter inflates within a narrowed coronary artery, it compresses plaque against the vessel walls, creating a temporary opening.
However, to prevent the artery from collapsing again, a stent is often deployed. The stent, typically made of stainless steel for its durability and biocompatibility, acts as a scaffold to keep the artery open. This improves blood flow to the heart and reduces the likelihood of restenosis.
The stent remains in the artery permanently, providing structural support. This combination of balloon catheter and stent placement is a common intervention for treating coronary artery disease, ensuring the vessel remains unobstructed and facilitating optimal cardiac function.