An overview of Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting
Carotid angioplasty and stenting is a medical procedure that opens clogged arteries, usually in the carotid arteries located in the neck, to restore blood flow to the brain. This procedure is often performed to treat or prevent strokes caused by carotid artery disease, a condition where fatty deposits (plaque) clog the arteries. During the procedure, a balloon is temporarily inserted and inflated in the clogged artery to widen it, allowing blood to flow freely to the brain. The procedure is performed while the patient is sedated, and a catheter with a balloon tip is guided through an artery to the narrowed area under X-ray guidance. Contrast material is injected to provide a detailed view, and an embolic protection device is placed to catch any debris that may break off during the procedure. The goal is to increase blood flow and reduce the risk of stroke. Lifestyle changes and follow-up care with your doctor are essential to maintain the good results of the procedure.
What is Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting used for?
Carotid angioplasty and stenting are used to open clogged arteries in the carotid arteries, located on each side of the neck, to restore blood flow to the brain. They are often performed to treat or prevent strokes caused by carotid artery disease. The procedure involves temporarily inserting and inflating a tiny balloon to widen the clogged artery and may be combined with stenting to prop the artery open and decrease the risk of it narrowing again. Carotid angioplasty and stenting may be used when traditional carotid surgery (carotid endarterectomy) isn't possible or too risky for the patient.
How to prepare for Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting?
Before a scheduled carotid angioplasty and stenting test, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. You may also have one or more of the following examinations: ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or computerized tomography angiography (CTA). Specific preparations may vary based on your individual medical history, but generally, you will be instructed on what you can or cannot eat or drink before the procedure.
How is Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting conducted?
Carotid angioplasty and stenting is conducted by temporarily inserting and inflating a tiny balloon into the clogged artery to widen the area so that blood can flow freely to the brain. The procedure is performed on the carotid arteries located on each side of the neck that are responsible for supplying blood to the brain. The arteries can become clogged with fatty deposits, leading to carotid artery disease and increasing the risk of stroke. The test involves a series of examinations, including ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or computerized tomography angiography (CTA), and carotid angiography. During the procedure, a catheter with a balloon tip is threaded through a small tube into the narrowed area of the carotid artery under X-ray guidance. Contrast material is injected to provide a detailed view of the artery and blood flow to the brain. An embolic protection device is placed in the artery to catch any debris that may break off from the narrowed area during the procedure. Most people do not need general anesthesia and can stay awake during the procedure, receiving fluids and medications through an IV catheter to help them relax.
How are Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting results reported?
Carotid angioplasty and stenting results are reported as increased blood flow through the previously blocked artery and reduced risk of stroke. After the procedure, patients may receive an ultrasound of their carotid artery, and most people are discharged from the hospital within 24 hours. The catheter site may remain tender, swollen, and bruised for a few days, but patients can take medication as prescribed by their doctor for discomfort. It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, controlling other conditions, and exercising regularly, to maintain good results after the procedure.
Understanding the report
Carotid angioplasty and stenting are procedures that aim to improve blood flow through clogged arteries and reduce the risk of stroke. The results of these procedures are typically measured by the restoration of blood flow through the previously blocked artery and the prevention of future strokes. Your doctor will determine if the benefits of the procedure outweigh the potential risks based on your individual health condition. After the procedure, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels, maintaining a healthy weight, managing other conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and exercising regularly. Long-term results of carotid angioplasty are still under investigation, so it is important to discuss your expected outcomes and necessary follow-up care with your doctor. In some cases, carotid endarterectomy may be a better choice than angioplasty and stenting. Your doctor will help you decide on the safest and most effective treatment option for your specific situation.