Stents are small, tube-like devices made of metal mesh or fabric that are used to treat narrow or blocked blood vessels in the body. They are inserted into the vessel to help keep it open and allow for better blood flow. Stents are commonly used in procedures like angioplasty to treat conditions such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and narrowed bile ducts. They can also be coated with medication to help prevent the vessel from becoming blocked again. Stents have significantly improved outcomes for patients with these conditions and are considered a standard treatment option in many cases.