Cardiovascular stents are small, mesh-like devices used to support and open narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the cardiovascular system. They are commonly employed in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and other vascular conditions. Stents are typically made of metal alloys, such as stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, or nickel-titanium (nitinol), or they may be coated with medications to prevent re-narrowing of the treated vessel, a process called restenosis.