An arterial stent is a small, expandable mesh tube that is placed inside an artery to hold it open and maintain adequate blood flow. It is commonly used in the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery stenosis, and other arterial blockages where the vessel has narrowed due to atherosclerosis.

Stents are often inserted during angioplasty procedures, where a balloon is used to widen the narrowed artery. Once expanded, the stent remains in place to prevent the artery from collapsing or becoming reblocked. Some stents are drug-coated to reduce the risk of scar tissue and re-narrowing (restenosis).