stent

[ stent ]

noun

1. Medicine/Medical. a small, expandable tube used for inserting in a blocked vessel or other part.

stent

/ stɛnt /

noun

1. med a tube of plastic or sprung metal mesh placed inside a hollow tube to reopen it or keep it open; uses in surgery include preventing a blood vessel from closing, esp after angioplasty, and assisting healing after an anastomosis

Word History and Origins

Origin of stent¹

First recorded in 1960–65; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of stent¹

C19: after Charles Stent (1807–85), English dentist

Example Sentences

Clarkson said he had a stent fitted, which is a tube that is inserted into a narrowed or blocked artery to open it and allow blood to flow more freely.

From BBC

Doctors told him that he had three blocked arteries and placed three stents in to keep them open.

From Los Angeles Times

He discovered three arteries were "congested and in danger of blocking the supply of blood to my heart", and subsequently had surgery to fit three stents - tiny tubes to hold open blocked arteries.

From BBC

This, along with their excellent biocompatibility, has made them adequately suited for implants and prosthetics, from joint replacement to stents.

From Science Daily

Both times, I needed surgery and stents for the stones.

From Seattle Times