Stents can be classified into two categories:
Bare-metal stents have no special coating. They act as scaffolding to prop open blood vessels after they’re widened with angioplasty. As the artery heals, tissue grows around the stent, holding it in place. However, sometimes an overgrowth of scar tissue in the lining of the artery increases the risk of re-blockage.
Drug-eluting stents are coated with medication that is slowly released (eluted) to help prevent the growth of scar tissue in the artery lining. This helps the artery remain smooth and open, ensuring good blood flow.