Carotid Stenting Endarterectomy

Carotid artery stenting is an endovascular technique used to re-open blocked carotid arteries and prevent stroke. Because carotid stenting is minimally invasive, it provides an excellent treatment option to patients who are high-risk candidates for endarterectomy surgery. The procedure requires only a local anesthetic and a tiny puncture into an artery in the groin area, rather than opening the artery in the neck. The blockage 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 a stroke from occurring. A tiny umbrella-like filter is used to catch and remove loose pieces of plaque that develop during the stenting procedure before they travel to the brain and create a stroke.

X-ray studies using special dyes, called carotid angiograms, can show the degree of blockage of the carotid arteries. Other tests such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can visualize blockages in the carotid arteries.

Prior to carotid stenting, blockages in the carotid artery were treated with a surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy, in which surgeons made an incision in the neck artery to remove the plaque and diseased artery.

Carotid artery stenting is the only FDA approved system currently available for the prevention of stroke for patients who are at high risk for carotid endarterectomy. Patients who receive a carotid stent usually leave the hospital one or two days after the procedure.

Carotid Endarterectomy is an operation during which your vascular surgeon removes the inner lining of your carotid artery if it has become thickened or damaged. This procedure eliminates a substance called plaque from your artery and can restore blood flow.

As you age, plaque can build up in the walls of your arteries. Cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue make up this plaque. As more plaque builds up, your arteries narrow and stiffen. This process is called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Eventually, enough plaque builds up to reduce blood flow through your carotid arteries, or cause irregularities in the normally smooth inner walls of the arteries.

Your carotid arteries are located on each side of your neck and extend from your aorta in your chest to the base of your skull. These important arteries supply blood to your brain.

Carotid artery disease is a serious issue because clots can form on the plaque. Plaque or clots can also break loose and travel to the brain. If a clot or plaque blocks the blood flow to your brain sufficiently, it can cause an ischemic stroke, which can cause permanent brain damage, or death, if a large enough area of the brain is affected. If a clot or plaque blocks only a tiny artery in the brain, it may cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. A TIA is often a warning sign that a stroke may occur in the near future, and it should be a signal to seek treatment before a stroke occurs.

To remove plaque in your carotid arteries and help prevent a stroke, your physician may recommend a carotid endarterectomy. Carotid endarterectomy is one of the most commonly performed vascular operations, and is a safe and long-lasting treatment.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Carotid
• Stenting
• Endarterectomy1

[ant56710]

I don't think the procedure shown in the video is an endarterectomy. It is actually an angioplasty. Great video though

[SantomPh]

so the metal thing stays in your arteries?

[georgesorosisgay1]

very cool!!