|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
By Category |
 |
|
|
| |
|
| |
| |
India On Media |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Others
News |
|
| New study on medicated |
| But a new study shows that not all patients should get the medicated ones, not just for the cost, but because it could be risky for some.
|
| INDIA
, 4-October-2007
2:30:24 AM |
| A tiny wire mesh called a stent changed the face of cardiac care to help save lives of millions of heart patients.
A stent opens up blocked arteries, allowing the blood to flow freely. To prevent a new blockage from occurring, doctors prefer to use stents coated with drugs instead of the ones without the coating.
But a new study shows that not all patients should get the medicated ones, not just for the cost, but because it could be risky for some.
Bare metal stents, when introduced in some patients, sometimes led to restenosis. Drug eluting or medicated stents overcame this problem with the help of the drug coating which kept the surface of the stent clean, allowing the blood to flow freely.
But a study conducted by the University of Basel in Switzerland called Basket-LATE has shown that medicated stents come with a warning. In certain patients, though the numbers are small, it can cause thrombosis or clotting leading to death.
There is however a way out. Lifelong continuation of blood thinning medication can reduce this risk substantially. In countries like the US, patients are asked to discontinue the drugs after a year since they increase the risk of bleeding. In India, however, the therapy is continued lifelong, reducing the threat of thrombosis.
''The benefits of the medicated stents are profound. Repeated evaluations have shown that medicated stents are safe and effective. That rare situation of a clot developing that would not happen with the other stent makes us believe that we should not discard the old stent.
''While using these medicated stents we should be judicious and understand their benefits. We should know which patients it would benefit the most. The drugs have to be taken on a regular basis. These are beneficial stents but they have certain rules and regulations attached to them,'' said Dr Ashok Seth, Cardiologist, Max Healthcare.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADVERTISEMENTS
Free offer!!! Become an administrator for your zip home page, "Post" local news (local to your postcode)& pictures, "Post" advertisement banners from local companies. Make Extra money.
|
 |
 |
|
|
| |
|
