Arteries are blood vessels within the human body that are meant to carry blood from the heart to the other parts of the body. These arteries may at times become narrow due to which the blood flow is restricted, a condition that requires surgery. A stent is a medical device that resembles a small mesh tube and is often used in the treatment of such weak or narrow arteries. Stents are usually placed in arteries by surgeons as part of a surgical procedure known as angioplasty, in an effort to ensure normal blood flow through such narrow arteries. Stents usually comprise a metal mesh, but sometimes they are also made out of fabric. These are known as fabric stents or stent grafts. There is a huge market for drug-eluting stents in India. These refer to stents that are coated with a layer of medicine. The medicine is slowly and constantly released inside the artery, and helps in prevention of artery blockage. Stents are most commonly inserted in coronary arteries. A number of multinational companies are engaged in the marketing of stents in India. Constant technical upgradation is the key to the success of this industry. Hide this