Bandolier 92 reported a meta-analysis of trials looking at a comparison of stents versus balloon angioplasty indicating stents to be better.
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Stents are small metal tubes or wires that are inserted into damaged blood vessels to hold them open.
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The interventional technique used to treat carotid stenosis has improved and new stents and cerebral protection devices have been developed.
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These include oesophageal stents - either rigid plastic or self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) and local tumor ablative techniques such as laser therapy.
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This article details the range of stents which are available and how these have revolutionized the treatment of vascular disease.