How are vascular stents typically deployed?

Vascular stents are most commonly deployed through two primary mechanisms: balloon deployment and self-expanding methods. Balloon deployment involves inflating a balloon to expand a stent at the discrete site where it is to be implanted, providing mechanical support to the vessel. This method helps to open up narrowed areas of the blood vessel, ensuring adequate blood flow.

On the other hand, self-expanding stents are designed to automatically expand upon removal of the delivery system, relying on a material that allows the stent to return to its larger, functional diameter once positioned at the treatment site. These stents are typically deployed through a catheter, which minimizes the invasiveness of the procedure compared to traditional surgical methods, thus allowing for faster recovery times and reduced complications.

This dual mechanism approach is critical for treating various vascular conditions effectively, while mitigating risks associated with more invasive surgical techniques.