Peripheral arterial disease narrows the arteries supplying the limbs, producing symptoms that range from claudication to critical limb ischemia. Stents maintain luminal patency after angioplasty when recoil, dissection, or heavy plaque burden would otherwise compromise the result. Choosing the right stent means matching device mechanics to the specific vascular segment.
Stent types
- Self-expanding nitinol stents. The workhorse for the femoropopliteal segment, combining flexibility and fracture resistance in a mobile, high-stress environment.
- Balloon-expandable stents. High radial force and precise placement suit ostial and iliac lesions.
- Drug-eluting stents. An antiproliferative coating reduces neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis in selected lesions.
- Covered stents. A graft covering addresses perforation, aneurysm, or in-stent restenosis.
Segment-specific applications
The iliac arteries tolerate high radial force and favor balloon-expandable or strong self-expanding designs. The femoropopliteal segment endures bending, torsion, and compression during limb movement, demanding fracture-resistant nitinol. Below-the-knee vessels are small and long, where vessel preparation and drug-based strategies are central.
Vessel preparation
Contemporary practice emphasizes lesion preparation before stenting — atherectomy for heavily calcified plaque, specialized balloons for controlled dilation — to optimize luminal gain and, where appropriate, preserve the option of a stentless drug-coated balloon result.
Clinical outcomes
Reported patency depends heavily on lesion length, calcification, runoff, and segment. Drug-based strategies have improved femoropopliteal patency relative to bare devices in suitable lesions, while disciplined technique and surveillance support durable limb outcomes.
INVAMED technologies in this space
INVAMED's peripheral portfolio spans the TemREN atherectomy system, Extender drug PTA balloons, and stent platforms; explore the peripheral arterial disease category.
Device availability and approved indications vary by country. This content is prepared for healthcare professionals and does not replace clinical judgment or the instructions for use.