Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting: A Less Invasive Alternative to Carotid Surgery
The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels delivering oxygen-rich blood from the heart up
through the neck to the brain. Over time, fatty deposits called plaque can accumulate on the inner
walls of these arteries—a condition known as carotid artery stenosis. If plaque restricts
blood flow or breaks off into the bloodstream, it can cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a
major ischemic stroke.
While traditional open surgery (carotid endarterectomy) has long been used to remove plaque,
Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting (CAS) offers a minimally invasive alternative that achieves
vessel re-opening from inside the artery.
How Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting Works
Carotid angioplasty and stenting is performed by specialists in neuroendovascular procedures
within a specialized catheterization suite.
The procedure involves several key steps:
-
Vascular Access: A thin flexible catheter is inserted into a major blood vessel in the groin or wrist and guided up to the affected carotid artery using real-time fluoroscopic (X-ray) imaging.
-
Embolic Protection Placement: A microscopic filter or temporary blockage device is deployed downstream from the plaque. This embolic protection device captures any loose debris dislodged during the procedure, preventing it from traveling into the brain.
-
Angioplasty: A small balloon catheter is navigated into the narrowed area of the artery and inflated gently to push the plaque outward against the vessel wall.
-
Stent Deployment: A self-expanding mesh tube (stent) is permanently placed at the target site to hold the artery open, restoring normal blood flow. The balloon and embolic filter are then removed.
Who Is a Candidate for Carotid Stenting?
Both open carotid surgery and endovascular stenting effectively restore carotid blood flow, but
stenting is particularly valuable for specific patient groups, including:
-
Patients with significant pre-existing heart or lung conditions that increase open surgical risk.
-
Individuals who have previously undergone neck surgery, radiation therapy to the neck, or prior carotid endarterectomy.
-
Patients with anatomical challenges, such as carotid narrowing located high in the neck near the base of the skull.
Because CAS requires only a tiny puncture site, patients typically experience shorter recovery
times, minimal discomfort, and a rapid return to daily routine.
-
Book Online: Visit igeaneuro.com to request a comprehensive diagnostic consultation with our neurosurgical team.
-
Call Our Team Today: Speak directly with our dedicated patient care coordinators at (866) 467-1770.
