Is a stent the same as a drain? Understanding medical devices

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 study published in the journal Circulation, over 1.2 million percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), a procedure that often involves a stent, were performed in the US. The procedures may sound similar, but a key distinction helps clarify medical treatments. The question, Is a stent the same as a drain?, is vital for understanding your own care.

Quick Summary

These are not the same; a stent is a permanent or temporary device used to open a blocked or narrowed passageway, while a drain is a tube used to remove fluid or air from a body cavity. Their distinct purposes are critical for patient outcomes and understanding medical treatments.

Key Points

Stent Purpose: A stent is a device placed internally to hold a blocked or narrowed passage open, ensuring continuous flow within the body.
Drain Purpose: A drain is a tube used temporarily to remove unwanted fluids or air from a body cavity, with external collection.
Duration and Placement: Stents are often permanent or long-term, while drains are temporary and removed after the immediate need has passed.
Common Procedures: Stents are frequently used for coronary arteries, while drains are common after surgeries to prevent fluid accumulation.
Recovery and Care: Post-procedure care differs significantly; a stent requires long-term medication and monitoring, whereas a drain requires specific short-term management of the external tube and collection bag.
No Equivalence: The two devices are not interchangeable and serve distinct medical functions, though they may be used sequentially in a patient's treatment plan.

What is a Stent?

A stent is a small, mesh tube used to treat narrow or blocked arteries and other body passages. Its primary function is to restore the flow of blood or other fluids by propping open the affected vessel. Stents can be permanent or temporary, and are commonly used in cardiology to treat coronary artery disease, but also in other areas of the body, such as the bile ducts, esophagus, and ureters.

Types of Stents

There are several kinds of stents, each designed for a specific purpose:

Drug-eluting stents (DES): These are coated with medication that is slowly released to prevent scar tissue from growing and re-narrowing the artery. They are the most common type used for coronary artery disease.
Bare-metal stents (BMS): These are simple, uncoated metal mesh tubes. While once the standard, their use has declined due to a higher risk of restenosis (re-narrowing).
Vascular stents: Used to treat blockages in blood vessels outside the heart, such as those in the neck (carotid artery) or legs (peripheral artery disease).
Biliary stents: Placed in the bile ducts to keep them open and allow bile to drain properly, often to treat blockages caused by gallstones or tumors.
Esophageal stents: Used to relieve swallowing difficulties caused by tumors or other conditions that narrow the esophagus.

The Stenting Procedure

Stent placement is typically performed using minimally invasive procedures, such as angioplasty. During the procedure, a catheter with a small balloon is guided to the blocked artery. The balloon is inflated to open the vessel, and the stent is then expanded and left in place. The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the stent behind to hold the artery open.

What is a Drain?

A drain, also known as a medical drain or catheter, is a tube inserted into the body to remove excess fluid, air, or other substances. Drains are almost always temporary and are placed to prevent accumulation that could cause complications or discomfort. They are a common part of post-surgical care.

Types of Drains

Medical drains come in many forms, depending on their intended use:

Surgical drains: Placed at the surgical site to remove blood and other fluids that can collect after an operation.
Chest drains (Thoracic catheters): Used to remove air or fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
Urinary catheters: Inserted into the bladder to drain urine, particularly in patients who cannot urinate on their own.
Biliary drains: Similar to biliary stents but used externally, allowing bile to drain into a collection bag outside the body.

The Drainage Procedure

Unlike stents, which are placed to restore internal flow, drains are designed for external removal. A small incision is made, and the drain is inserted and secured to the skin. The fluid or air is collected in a bag, and the drain is typically removed once the fluid output decreases to a safe level.

Comparison Table: Stent vs. Drain


Feature	Stent	Drain
Primary Purpose	To keep a vessel or duct open and allow for internal flow.	To remove excess fluid or air from a body cavity or site.
Functionality	Acts as an internal scaffold to maintain patency.	Acts as an external conduit for removal.
Duration	Can be permanent or long-term temporary.	Almost always temporary, typically removed after a few days or weeks.
Location	Placed inside a vessel or duct.	Placed into a body cavity or surgical site, with an external collection bag.
Example Application	Treating coronary artery blockages.	Draining fluid after breast surgery.
Removal Process	Often requires another medical procedure.	Usually a simple, in-office or bedside procedure once output subsides.

Why the Confusion? Interventional Radiology and Overlap

Part of the reason for the confusion is that both procedures are performed by specialists, such as interventional radiologists, and can sometimes be part of the same treatment plan. For example, a patient with a bile duct blockage might first have an external drain placed to relieve pressure and manage infection. Once stable, the drain might be replaced with an internal stent to provide a long-term solution. In this scenario, both devices are used, but for distinct and sequential purposes.

Patient Considerations and Post-Procedure Care

For patients, understanding the difference is crucial for proper care and recovery. A stent patient will need to follow instructions regarding medication (e.g., blood thinners for a coronary stent) and lifestyle changes, as the device is part of their long-term health management. A drain patient will have specific instructions for drain care, including monitoring the amount and type of fluid collected and keeping the site clean to prevent infection. The care is focused on the temporary device until it is no longer needed.

Conclusion

The fundamental difference between a stent and a drain lies in their purpose: a stent works internally to open a passage, while a drain works externally to remove fluid or air. While both are critical tools in modern medicine, they serve entirely different functions. A clear understanding of these distinctions empowers patients to better comprehend their medical treatment and participate more actively in their recovery. If you have any questions about your specific procedure, always consult your healthcare provider.

For more information on the distinctions between these and other interventional cardiology procedures, you can visit the American Heart Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a stent cannot replace a drain. A stent is designed to keep an internal vessel open, while a drain is used to remove external fluids. They serve completely different functions in a patient's care.

The key difference is their function. A stent's function is to prop open a narrowed passageway (like an artery) to restore internal flow. A drain's function is to channel unwanted fluids or air out of the body.

You will know if you have a drain because it involves an external tube leading to a collection bag. A stent is an internal device, and you would not see or feel it externally after the procedure.

No, a drain is almost always a temporary solution. It is used to manage and remove fluids or air for a short period, typically after surgery or to address a short-term issue, and is removed once no longer needed.

Yes, they can be. Specialists such as interventional radiologists often place both stents and drains, particularly in the biliary system. However, their applications span many specialties, including cardiology and general surgery.

No, most stenting procedures, such as those for coronary arteries, do not involve a drain. A drain may be used in certain complex cases or procedures where significant fluid or blood accumulation is expected.

After a drain is removed, the site is typically covered with a dressing. The small incision will heal on its own. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for wound care and monitoring for any signs of infection.