What are the issues that can occur after coronary artery stent placement surgery?

Model:Angio-interventions Training System VII(QS001D-01)

1. What symptoms may occur after coronary artery stent treatment?

After the procedure, patients may experience discomfort or pain in the precordial area. The reasons could be:

(1) The stent acts as a foreign object dilating the coronary artery, causing discomfort similar to someone wearing dentures. Additionally, patients may feel discomfort in the precordial area due to heightened psychological stress after the procedure, which is different from preoperative angina. ECG and cardiac enzyme profiles are normal. This discomfort typically resolves on its own in the short term.

(2) Postoperative complications may include acute vascular occlusion, coronary artery thrombosis, or acute myocardial infarction. Emergency coronary angiography may be necessary for diagnosis and emergency intervention to treat these conditions.

2.When should patients start mobilizing after coronary artery stent placement?

The timing of mobilization postoperatively depends on the individual's condition. Patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction may need a longer recovery period due to partial myocardial necrosis. Generally, patients can begin mobilizing 4-5 days after the procedure. However, if severe complications like arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, or heart failure arise, mobilization may be delayed to 5-10 days postoperatively. Most coronary artery disease patients can start mobilizing within 24 hours postoperatively and can be discharged 3-4 days after the procedure.

3.Is a repeat coronary angiography necessary after coronary artery stent placement?

Currently, about 99% of stent procedures use drug-eluting stents (DES). After a successful procedure, less than 5% of patients may experience restenosis. Repeat coronary angiography is typically considered if a patient experiences recurrent angina symptoms to determine if restenosis has occurred, and a decision for further testing such as CTA or coronary angiography is made. If restenosis is confirmed, another drug-eluting stent can be implanted to address the issue.

4.May stents collapse, shift, or rust once implanted?

Interventional stents are usually made of stainless steel alloy, providing strong support, corrosion resistance, and shape memory function. The high pressure applied during stent expansion, exceeding 6-8 times the pressure in car tires, embeds the stent firmly into the coronary artery wall, preventing displacement. Therefore, stents do not collapse, shift, or rust once implanted.

5.When can patients return to work after coronary artery stent treatment?

Following coronary artery stent treatment, which fundamentally addresses coronary artery narrowing, patients typically experience improved quality of life. In general, patients can return to work after 7 days. For those recovering from acute myocardial infarction, a return to work can be expected between 3-8 weeks postoperatively.

6.How should postoperative activity levels be managed after coronary artery stent treatment?

Postoperative activities should progress gradually from light to moderate workloads, ideally not exceeding 70-80% of preoperative levels to reduce mental and physical stress, which is crucial in preventing and managing coronary artery disease. Activities may include swimming, walking, jogging, slow dancing, cycling, Tai Chi, among others. Most patients can engage in business trips, international travel, and similar activities.

7.What medications should be taken after coronary artery stent placement?

Postoperative medication aims to prevent restenosis. Main medications include:

(1) Antiplatelet drugs like aspirin (initially 300mg, then 100mg daily) and clopidogrel (75mg daily). The duration of use varies; long-term use is recommended if economically feasible.

(2) Statins for lipid control such as atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin, even if cholesterol levels are normal. These drugs have shown positive effects in preventing restenosis and new coronary artery narrowing. Long-term use is advised if side effects are absent.

(3) Beta-blockers like metoprolol or carvedilol are recommended for long-term use if there are no contraindications.

(4) Hypertension and diabetes patients should take antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications to maintain blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipid levels within normal ranges.

8.What are the general precautions after coronary artery stent placement?

(1) Adhere to medication as prescribed to prevent thrombosis and restenosis.

(2) Prevent the progression of atherosclerosis by quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, consuming a low-cholesterol, low-animal fat diet, maintaining a normal weight, engaging in regular, moderate physical exercise, staying mentally positive, ensuring adequate sleep, and reducing stress.

(3) Maintain normal blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipid levels.

(4) Seek medical attention promptly if there is chest pain or discomfort.

(5) Be aware of the side effects of postoperative medications.

(6) Follow up regularly as advised by healthcare providers.

(7) Avoid MRI scans if possible.

9. How should diet be adjusted after coronary artery stent placement?

Dietary adjustments include: Limiting food intake, avoiding overeating, opting for a relatively bland diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and high-protein foods, controlling intake of high cholesterol and animal fat foods, limiting sugary foods, and reducing salt intake for hypertensive patients.

The Angio-interventions Training System VII is a cutting-edge model designed to simulate and enhance the training and validation of various coronary intervention procedures. This model offers a comprehensive representation of the vascular system, spanning from the femoral artery to the A2 segment of the anterior cerebral artery and the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery. With three distinct aneurysm lesions in the intracranial part, intricate 360° turns in the left carotid artery, and customizable healthy and lesioned left and right coronary arteries in the thoracic region, this model provides a dynamic platform for simulating a wide range of clinical scenarios.

Moreover, the Angio-interventions Training System VII boasts a high degree of customization, allowing for tailored adjustments to suit specific training needs. Transparent connectors enable the easy detection and replacement of intracranial, thoracic, and abdominal sections, facilitating the simulation of diverse vascular conditions. This model is not only ideal for the development, testing, and validation of coronary intervention devices but also serves as a valuable tool for training sessions and demonstrations related to these devices. With options for customization such as varying aortic arch types, different coronary artery lesions, bilateral radial artery access, and complexified abdominal structures, users can create realistic and immersive training environments. Additionally, the option to fix the model inside a transparent acrylic tank enhances the visual impact, providing a three-dimensional perspective for a more realistic simulation experience.