How Is a Stent Placed? Does It Stay Open, A stent is placed with the help of a catheter via the large veins in the leg behind the knee or in the groin, with deployment of the stent in the area of narrowing.

Most stents are patent for the first 1 to 2 years after being inserted.4 Unfortunately, some become narrowed within 3 to 5 years.

When stents become narrowed, leg swelling may increase.

A radiologist, vascular surgeon, or interventional cardiologist can put a catheter through the vein in the leg and open up the stent by using a balloon to reinflate the stent or by placing a new stent. This is usually successful.

How Is a Stent Placed? Does It Stay Open