Hi Keith, I think what they mean is the artery is too small to easily place a stent. The extent of blockage at 80% is not the problem. As you probably know the stents are inserted collapsed and then expanded inside the "blockage". After a time the stent merges into the artery wall. The stent size is expertly matched to the artery it fits. Very small arteries require very small stents and there is a lower limit of about 3mm. With stent technology the minimum is coming down. It was 4mm not so long ago. Sizes go up to about 10mm.
My problem is the blockage is right at a branch (LAD) and there is no stent that can be placed without protruding into the flow of another branch. My cardiologist said if there is any protrusion at all it means trouble and anguish!!
What I need is a "Tee-shaped" stent that can be somehow inserted into the intersection and then sprung apart to open up all 3 branches.
We all live in hope!!
Beefsteak.
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