Carotid Stent: A Less Invasive Option to Treat Carotid Artery Disease and Help Lower Stroke Risk

The carotid arteries are major blood vessels in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. When these arteries become narrowed due to plaque buildup, the condition is known as carotid artery disease, or carotid stenosis. This narrowing can restrict blood flow to the brain and significantly increase the risk of stroke.

For some patients, carotid angioplasty may be a recommended treatment option. This minimally invasive procedure is used to assess the extent of narrowing and to open a blocked or narrowed carotid artery.

What is carotid stenting?

Carotid stenting is a minimally invasive procedure, like a heart catheterization, used to treat significant narrowing in a carotid artery. During the procedure, a physician guides a thin tube called a catheter through the blood vessels to the narrowed area. A small balloon may be used to open the artery, and a metal mesh tube called a stent is placed to help keep the artery open. A filter is often used during the procedure to catch debris and help lower the chance of plaque traveling to the brain.

Why does carotid artery disease matter?

When plaque builds up in the carotid arteries, it can increase the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini stroke.” Some patients have symptoms, and others may have no warning signs at all before the disease is found in imaging or during an evaluation.

Possible warning signs of stroke or TIA can include, and require immediate attention:

Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body

Trouble speaking or understanding speech

Sudden vision changes

Dizziness or loss of balance

Sudden and severe headache

Who may be a candidate for carotid stenting?

Carotid stenting is not right for every patient. Treatment decisions, for patients with carotid artery disease, will depend on how severe the narrowing is, whether the patient has had stroke or TIA symptoms, overall health, and the anatomy of the artery. In some cases, carotid stenting may be chosen instead of carotid surgery based on patient-specific factors and the care team’s evaluation.

Benefits of a less invasive approach

Because carotid stenting is a catheter-based treatment, it may be a good option for selected patients who need treatment but may not be ideal candidates for traditional surgery. It is designed to improve blood flow through the artery while avoiding a larger surgical incision.

What happens during the procedure?

During carotid stenting, a cardiologist threads a catheter through the blood vessels to the narrowed carotid artery. A protection device may be placed to catch loose plaque during the procedure. The narrowed area is opened, and the stent is positioned to act as a scaffold and help keep the artery from narrowing again.

What to expect after a carotid stent procedure?

After the procedure, patients are monitored closely by their care team. Recovery instructions may include guidance about activity, medications, and follow-up visits. Even after a stent is placed, ongoing treatment remains important, including control of blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking cessation when needed.

Expert cardiac and vascular care close to home

At Cardiology Associates, our cardiologists evaluate patients with vascular disease and help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on each patient’s condition and overall health. If carotid artery disease is found, early evaluation and treatment planning can play an important role in reducing stroke risk.

When to talk with your cardiologist

You should speak with your physician if you have been told you have carotid artery narrowing, have had a stroke or TIA, or have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking history. A full evaluation can help determine whether medical therapy, surgery, or carotid stenting may be the best next step.

With timely diagnosis and expert care, patients with carotid artery disease may have more options to help protect brain health and reduce stroke risk.

To learn more or request an appointment with Cardiology Associates, call 251-607-9797 or visit: https://www.cardassoc.com/procedures or https://www.cardassoc.com/john-m-galla