SN instructed patient about stents help keep coronary arteries open and reduce the chance of a heart attack. Stents help keep coronary arteries open and reduce the chance of a heart attack. A stent is inserted into the clogged artery with a balloon catheter. The balloon is inflated and the stent expands and locks in place. Then the balloon is removed and stent stays in place. This holds the artery open and allows blood to flow more freely.