What procedure involves the placement of stents in the heart?

The placement of stents in the heart is specifically associated with the procedure known as coronary stenting. This procedure is typically performed to treat blockages in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. During coronary stenting, a small mesh tube called a stent is inserted into a narrowed area of the artery. This helps to keep the artery open, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart attacks.

Coronary stenting is a minimally invasive procedure often conducted during an angioplasty, where a balloon is used to open the narrowed artery before the stent is placed. The goal of using stents is to restore normal blood flow, alleviate symptoms of coronary artery disease, and prevent future cardiovascular events.

In contrast, other procedures mentioned serve different purposes. Coronary bypass operations involve creating an alternative route for blood flow around blocked arteries, aortostomy relates to the aorta, and cardiac valve replacement addresses malfunctioning heart valves but does not involve stenting. Thus, coronary stenting is the most relevant answer to the question regarding the placement of stents in the heart.