Why is it important to take certain blood thinners after receiving stents ?
Lining of blood vessel (called endothelium) is usually smooth “like glass”, keeping blood flowing over it in its fluid form. When stents are inserted, there is injury to this lining. The blood flowing inside the metal stents and the injured lining has a tendency to clot formation. To prevent this, based on current scientific evidence, two blood thinners typically aspirin and plavix (clopidogrel) are prescribed for a certain period of time. During this time, it is expected that the stents are incorporated onto the blood vessel wall and the lining of blood vessels grows back. So it is absolutely essential that patients who receive stents should take these medications without defaulting even a day until your doctor recommends to stop it.
