The stent card is a small, portable medical record provided by the device manufacturer after a heart procedure. It serves as an immediate reference for healthcare providers, security personnel, and the patient. While not legally mandated, carrying this card is a strong medical recommendation for anyone with a coronary stent. This document details the specifics of the implanted device, which is important for long-term health management and safety.
Essential Information Recorded on the Card
The primary purpose of the stent card is to provide immediate, accurate medical history when the patient may be unable to communicate. Future healthcare providers, including emergency room staff or new specialists, rely on this information to deliver appropriate care. The card typically contains the patient’s name and the date the stent was implanted.
The card details the exact type of stent received, such as whether it is a bare-metal or drug-eluting stent. Knowing the stent type dictates the required duration of antiplatelet therapy, which prevents blood clots from forming inside the device. It also lists the device manufacturer and the unique device identifier or serial number.
This specific device information is important in the event of a device recall or malfunction. The card may also include contact information for the implanting physician or facility, allowing a new medical team to quickly consult with the specialists who performed the procedure. This instant access to precise details helps ensure continuity of care and appropriate medication management in an emergency.
Safety During Diagnostic Imaging and Procedures
The stent card plays a role in safety when undergoing certain diagnostic tests, especially Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). An MRI uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves, and while most modern coronary stents are made from non-ferromagnetic materials and are considered safe, the card provides the necessary confirmation.
Stents are typically labeled as “MR conditional” or “MR safe,” and the card helps an imaging technician quickly verify the compatibility of the specific device. Older or less common stents might have specific safety parameters, such as a maximum allowable magnetic field strength, often expressed in Teslas (T). The card removes guesswork and allows the technician to confirm the procedure can be performed safely.
This documentation is important if the patient has other metallic implants or if the procedure was done recently. While most contemporary stents pose no risk of migration or excessive heating in an MRI, the card ensures that safety protocols for the specific device are strictly followed. Presenting the card allows for a safe and efficient pre-scan screening process.
Navigating Travel and Security Checkpoints
For many people, the practical reason for carrying the card relates to security screening at locations like airports. Although coronary stents are small and are not designed to set off metal detectors, highly sensitive screening equipment may occasionally be triggered.
The stent card serves as discreet, official documentation that explains the presence of an internal device. Presenting the card to security personnel provides immediate confirmation of the medical implant, which helps streamline the screening process. This can prevent delays, reduce the need for an extensive secondary search, and avoid potential embarrassment.
The card is a convenience for security, not a guarantee that an alarm will not sound. However, it immediately communicates the presence of a medical device, which is an accepted protocol for security clearance. Carrying it simplifies travel and public security navigation.
What to Do If the Card Is Lost
If the stent card is misplaced, the information is replaceable and readily available. The first step is to contact the office of the implanting physician or the hospital where the procedure was performed. They keep detailed records of the device used, including the manufacturer and serial number.
Alternatively, the device manufacturer can often issue a replacement card directly. This typically requires providing personal identification and the approximate date of the procedure to locate the original device record. While waiting for a new card, a copy of the operative report or discharge summary can temporarily serve as documentation of the implanted device.