Carotid Artery Angioplasty and Stents

The carotid arteries are found on each side of the neck and supply blood to the brain. Fatty deposits (called plaque) can clog any artery or vein in the body. When plaque blocks the flow of blood to the brain, it is called carotid artery disease. Slow or block blood flow to the brain can lead to a stroke.

When blood flow problems are found, a carotid artery angioplasty and stenting are performed to restore sufficient blood flow to the brain. This procedure may be necessary even after a stroke as treatment.

The angioplasty involves inserting a small catheter into the artery and inflating a balloon to open up the clog. After the balloon has been used, a small metal coil (stent) is placed to keep the artery open after the treatment. Stenting can be used when traditional carotid endarterectomy is not a viable treatment or narrowing has recurred after a previous endarterectomy has been performed.

After the angioplasty and stenting, the patient will lie still for a time while pressure is applied to the incision site. A bandage will be used to cover the site but typically, there are no stitches required. The catheter site may be tender for a few days, and the patient must avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after the procedure.

The physicians at Stanislaus Cardiology in Modesto, California, can perform angioplasty and stenting procedures.