Catheter-based stenting refers to a technique where a balloon catheter is advanced through a blood vessel, typically in the groin or arm, to an area of blood vessel narrowing. The catheter is used to insert a stent ( a small mesh tube) that acts to support the inside of the blood vessel. Once in place, the balloon is inflated and the stent expands to the size of the blood vessel to hold it open, and remains in place permanently in an attempt to improve blood flow.