What is the heart stent surgery Bernie Sanders just had?

Stents are used to open blocked arteries

Bernie Sanders has surgery to insert stents following chest pain (Getty)

Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders has cancelled all of his upcoming appearances after being taken to hospital for the insertion of two stents to treat an artery blockage.

According to the 78-year-old's advisor Jeff Weaver, Mr Sanders sought medical attention after experiencing some "chest discomfort" during an event on Tuesday night.

A medical evaluation uncovered a "blockage in one artery and two stents were successfully inserted," Mr Weaver said in a statement on Wednesday.

This is everything you need to know about treating blocked arteries with stents.

What is a stent?

A stent is a tiny wire mesh tube that is used to prop open an artery, according to the American Heart Association.

Stents, which are left permanently in the artery, are used when a coronary artery is blocked by a build-up of fatty deposits, which can reduce blood flow.

If left untreated, a piece of the blockage can break off, form a clot and cause a heart attack or stroke.

By opening a coronary artery, a stent can reduce the chances of a heart attack.

When are stents used?

Stents are often used when a patient has been experiencing chest pain, a common symptom of obstructive artery disease.

Other symptoms of a blocked coronary artery include chest tightness or shortness of breath.

How are stents inserted?

Surgeons may perform an angioplasty to insert a stent, which involves creating a small incision in a patient's arm or leg, and using a balloon-tipped catheter to reach the artery.

Once the balloon reaches the area with the blockage, the surgeon inflates it - opening the narrowed spot - before placing the stent and removing the balloon.

What is recovery like?

Following an angioplasty, patients will typically remain in the hospital for one day, according to the Mayo Clinic.

After 24 hours, patients are generally able to return to their normal routines. Maximum recovery is typically not more than a week.

Does a stent cure heart disease?

Although the placement of a stent can minimise the symptoms of heart disease, a stent does not mean heart disease is cured.