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The blood vessels that bring blood to your brain and face are called the carotid arteries. You have a carotid artery on each side of your neck. 304 Stainless Steel Sheets
The blood flow in this artery can become partly or totally blocked by fatty material called plaque. A partial blockage is called carotid artery stenosis (narrowing). A blockage in your carotid artery can reduce the blood supply to your brain. Sometimes part of a plaque can break off and block off another artery. A stroke can occur if your brain does not get enough blood.
Two procedures can be used to treat a carotid artery that is narrowed or blocked. These are:
Carotid angioplasty and stenting; CAS; Angioplasty - carotid artery; Carotid artery stenosis - angioplasty
Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) is done using a small surgical cut.
Carotid surgery (endarterectomy) is an older and effective way to treat narrowed or blocked arteries. This procedure is very safe.
CAS has developed as a good alternative to surgery in some cases, when done by experienced operators. Certain factors may favor stenting, such as:
Risks of carotid angioplasty and stent placement, which depend on factors such as age, are:
Your health care provider will do a physical exam and perform several medical tests.
Always tell your provider what medicines you are taking, including drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.
During the 2 weeks before your procedure:
DO NOT drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery, including water.
On the day of your surgery:
After surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight so that you can be watched for any signs of bleeding, stroke, or poor blood flow to your brain. You may be able to go home the same day if your procedure is done early in the day and you are doing well. Your provider will talk to you about how to care for yourself at home.
Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting may help lower your chance of having a stroke. But you will need to make lifestyle changes to help prevent plaque buildup, blood clots, and other problems in your carotid arteries over time. You may need to change your diet and start an exercise program if your provider tells you exercise is safe for you. Your doctor may prescribe medicines for you to take also.
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316 Stainless Steel Coils Rosenfield K, Matsumura JS, Chaturvedi S, et al. Randomized trial of stent versus surgery for asymptomatic carotid stenosis. N Engl J Med. 2016;374(11):1011-1020. PMID: 26886419 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26886419/.