“I have a stent in my heart.”
Many patients know that a stent has been placed in one of their coronary arteries. However, do you know its name, manufacturer, model or batch number?
These details may not seem important at first. But if a safety alert or product recall is issued, having the correct information can help determine whether your device is affected.
Why is this important?
When a coronary artery becomes blocked or narrowed, angioplasty may be performed to restore blood flow. During this procedure, a coronary stent is often placed inside the artery to keep it open.
According to information reported on 19 June 2026, Sri Lanka’s Medical Supplies Division instructed hospitals to immediately stop using three types of coronary stents and isolate their remaining stocks.
The reported concerns included:
- Difficulty delivering the stent to the intended location
- The device becoming dislodged before placement
- Acute stent thrombosis
- Failure of the stent to expand properly
This does not mean that all coronary stents are unsafe. It highlights why patients should know what medical device has been placed inside their bodies.
The simple question you should ask
Before or after undergoing angioplasty, ask your doctor:
“Doctor, which stent will be—or was—placed in my heart?”
You may also request the following information:
- Name of the stent and its manufacturer
- Model or catalogue number
- Batch or lot number
- Relevant regulatory approval
- Implant card or device documentation
- Whether other suitable stent options are available
Keeping these details can help you identify your device if a future safety alert, recall or regulatory notice is issued.
Are all coronary stents the same?
No. Coronary stents can differ in design, material, drug coating and delivery system. Their suitability may also vary depending on the type of blockage being treated.
A cardiologist will consider factors such as the size of the artery, the location and complexity of the blockage, the patient’s overall health and available clinical evidence before selecting a stent.
Therefore, a popular or expensive brand is not automatically the best choice for every patient.
What if you already have a stent?
If you hear about a stent recall or safety alert, do not panic. Most importantly, do not stop antiplatelet medication or change your treatment without medical advice.
Instead:
- Find out the name of your stent.
- Record its manufacturer, model and batch or lot number.
- Keep your implant card and medical reports safely.
- Ask your cardiologist whether the alert applies to your device.
Doctors were also reportedly advised to continue clinical surveillance of patients who had received the recently withdrawn stents.
Awareness does not mean mistrust
The purpose of asking these questions is not to create fear or mistrust towards doctors or coronary stents. Stents remain important medical devices used to restore blood flow through narrowed or blocked arteries.
The key is clear communication between the patient and the doctor. Patients have the right to ask questions about a procedure, while understanding the reason for a particular treatment or device is an important part of informed consent.
So, remember this simple question:
“Which stent is being placed in my heart?”
An informed patient is not someone who opposes treatment. It is someone who understands their treatment and can make safer, more confident healthcare decisions.
