Sometimes the coronary artery becomes weakened, often due to the pressure put on it if there is a buildup of fat or other deposits nearby. Sometimes the coronary artery begins to deteriorate because of genetic factors. In either case the patient's doctor may recommend the insertion of a coronary stent, which strengthens this small artery and allows it to once again perform its job efficiently, namely to supply the heart itself with blood.Widening the Coronary ArteryA narrowed coronary presents a major problem because blood flow to the heart is decreased. A stent can be placed in the artery to widen it and allow easier passage of blood. This type of stent is very specialized in its design, consisting of a small metal mesh style tube that will act as a scaffolding for the blood vessel. In this type of surgery a balloon catheter is used to insert the stent into the damaged artery and the tip of the balloon is inflated to allow expansion of the stent itself. The catheter balloon is then deflated and removed, and the stent is now permanently fixed in the artery, which heals itself around the metal.Performing A Balloon AngioplastyThis procedure is used to actually push fatty material out of the center of the artery and is often performed in conjunction with the insertion of a heart stent. Inflating the catheter actually pushes the fatty matter into the walls of the artery and thereby widens the blood vessel. However if the widening process is liable to weaken the blood vessel wall, it can be strengthened by the use of the mesh tube, or stent.Stents With Medicated SurfacesSome procedures involve the insertion of a stent that is medicated, and this type of stent is used when it is determined that the healing process needs to be accelerated soon after the surgery. In some patients the coronary artery narrows at various points and the stent will be used to widen most of this passageway, but if there is a chance of reblockage, also known as restenosis, the medication contained in the stent will help heal the entire vessel wall and combat this possibility.A stent is used only when it is deemed necessary that the coronary artery wall is too weak to withstand the pressure of the blood flow. The coronary artery weakens if there is a buildup of fatty deposits or LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, and the reduced supply of nutrients and oxygen to the heart causes serious degradation of the heart muscle tissue. A stent helps to prevent this constricted flow of blood, but is only one of several options available for repairing a constricted coronary artery.