Which statement is an indication for stent placement?

Which statement is an indication for stent placement?

• A. Prevention of abrupt closure post PTCA
• B. Management of stable angina only
• C. Reducing cholesterol levels
• D. Treating atrial fibrillation

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that stent placement is used to prevent abrupt vessel closure after balloon-based coronary dilation. When angioplasty is done, the vessel can dissect, recoil, or collapse, which can abruptly stop blood flow. A stent acts as a scaffold, holding the artery open and reducing the risk of immediate closure and the need for repeat procedures. This is the classic indication for placing a coronary stent after dilation. The other statements don’t fit this role. Stents aren’t used to reduce cholesterol levels—that’s the job of lipid-lowering therapy. They aren’t a treatment for atrial fibrillation, which is an electrical heart rhythm problem managed with rate/rhythm control and anticoagulation as indicated. And while stents can relieve symptoms and improve outcomes in certain patients with stable angina, saying they’re indicated for “stable angina only” isn’t accurate, since revascularization decisions depend on demonstration of ischemia or high-risk anatomy, not angina status alone.

The main idea here is that stent placement is used to prevent abrupt vessel closure after balloon-based coronary dilation. When angioplasty is done, the vessel can dissect, recoil, or collapse, which can abruptly stop blood flow. A stent acts as a scaffold, holding the artery open and reducing the risk of immediate closure and the need for repeat procedures. This is the classic indication for placing a coronary stent after dilation.

The other statements don’t fit this role. Stents aren’t used to reduce cholesterol levels—that’s the job of lipid-lowering therapy. They aren’t a treatment for atrial fibrillation, which is an electrical heart rhythm problem managed with rate/rhythm control and anticoagulation as indicated. And while stents can relieve symptoms and improve outcomes in certain patients with stable angina, saying they’re indicated for “stable angina only” isn’t accurate, since revascularization decisions depend on demonstration of ischemia or high-risk anatomy, not angina status alone.