The focus: small devices that save lives-ORF documentary shows it!

The focus: small devices that save lives-ORF documentary shows it!

Vorarlberg, Österreich - The number of survivors after a heart attack has increased significantly in recent decades. An important reason for this is the development of medical procedures such as stent implantation. This special intervention in which a metal implant is used to expand narrowed blood vessels will be examined in more detail in the upcoming documentation of the ORF Vorarlberg with the title "Stent - Small Interfer, Big Effect". The article will be broadcast on ORF 2 on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 6:25 p.m. and will also be available as video-on-demand on ORF ON.

stent that act as artificial vascular supports play a crucial role in cardiology. They are often used immediately after a heart attack to keep closed or narrowed blood vessels open. In 2018, around 340,000 stents were implanted to patients in Germany. The procedure takes place via a cardiac catheter examination, in which a catheter is pushed forward via an artery of the arm or the bar to the affected blood vessel. This technology is a routine process today.

The course of the intervention

The catheter is precisely positioned using X -rays, whereby contrast medium is injected. At the narrowed point there is a miniature balloon that stretches the narrowing and presses plaques into the vascular wall. As a result, the metal grille, the stent, is used to prevent reverse. The intervention is carried out under local anesthesia and carries some risks, such as vascular injuries or allergic reactions to the contrast medium.

Nowadays, medication -free stents are mostly used, while the more common stents made of pure stainless steel are only used little. After the procedure, it is important for the patients to take medication to inhibit the blood platelet aggregation in order to prevent blood clots on the stent.

importance of rehabilitation

The documentation of the ORF Vorarlberg not only shows the course of the stent implantation, but also conveys the importance of rehabilitation opportunities that can significantly improve the quality of life of the patients involved. An adequate rehabilitation program can help to reduce the risks of secondary diseases such as coronary heart diseases. Statistically speaking, cardiovascular diseases were among the most common causes of death in Germany in 2022-more than a third of all deaths were attributed to this. In particular, the ischemic heart disease should be emphasized here, since they can lead to lack of oxygen in the heart and thus to serious health problems. The higher death rate in women who often not only suffer from age -related diseases, but also from structural problems within the health system, is particularly questionable.

The upcoming contribution of the ORF Vorarlberg not only represents an insight into a life -saving medical measure, but also sensitizes to rehabilitation and precaution. The overall concept of the documentary, led by Markus Klement, offers a comprehensive view of the stent intervention and its extensive effects on the health of those affected.

The following links are helpful for further information about the importance of stents and their application in cardiology: ots.at , Herzstiftung.de , and stista.com .