Quick Links
What are Carotid Stenting and Endarterectomy?
Carotid stenting and endarterectomy are treatments for carotid artery disease. Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits known as plaques block the carotid arteries or the blood vessels that bring blood to the brain and head. This can lead to stroke or a TIA, which are considered medical emergencies.
Who is a Candidate for Carotid Stenting and Endarterectomy?
Carotid artery stenting is FDA-approved for preventing strokes in patients who are at high risk for carotid endarterectomy.
Carotid endarterectomy is considered an option for patients with more than 70% narrowing in the carotid artery and who have had stroke or TIA symptoms, who have a severe blockage with no symptoms, or who have recent symptoms and moderate blockage. To learn more about this procedure and what to expect, consult with your vascular physician.
The Carotid Stenting Procedure
Carotid stenting is an endovascular technique used to open carotid arteries that are blocked and prevent stroke. Because carotid stenting is a minimally invasive procedure, it provides an exceptional treatment option for patients with carotid artery disease who are high-risk candidates for endarterectomy surgery.
A carotid angiogram, which is a type of X-ray study, can show the degree of blockage of the carotid arteries. Other tests such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can also be used to visualize blockages in the carotid arteries.
The carotid artery stenting procedure only requires a local anesthetic. A small puncture will be made into an artery in the groin area rather than opening the artery in the neck. The blocked artery is treated with balloon angioplasty and the placement of a stent – a small, self-expanding metal tube or ‘scaffold’ that keeps the vessel open, thereby preventing stroke. A small filter is used to catch and eliminate loose pieces of plaque that develop during the stenting procedure before they travel to the brain and create a stroke.
Patients who receive a carotid stent can usually leave the hospital 1-2 days after the procedure.
The Carotid Endarterectomy Procedure
Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove deposits of fat called plaque from the carotid arteries located in the neck. These two main arteries, located on each side of the neck, deliver blood and oxygen to the brain.
As people age, plaque builds up in the arteries causing a disease called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This can cause the arteries to narrow and thicken, reducing blood flow to the brain. When narrowing occurs in either one or both of the carotid arteries, this condition is called stenosis.
During a carotid endarterectomy, a vascular physician removes the fatty deposits to correct the narrowing, allowing the blood and oxygen to flow freely to the brain.
Carotid Stenting and Endarterectomy Aftercare
Following carotid stenting, you may be able to return home from the hospital the day after your procedure, while those who undergo carotid endarterectomy will be required to stay in the hospital for a couple of days for observation. Your physician will instruct you regarding aftercare such as which medications to take and when you can return to everyday activities.
Providers
Schedule a Consultation
For more information regarding carotid stenting and endarterectomy, please contact South Florida Vascular Associates today by giving us a call or filling out our online form. We serve the greater Southeast Florida areas with locations in Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach, and Plantation, FL.