How Carotid Stenting Reduces Your Risk Of Severe Complications
Carotid stenting is a minimally invasive procedure in which your healthcare provider inserts a stent into your carotid artery to treat carotid artery stenosis, a condition in which the artery is narrowed due to plaque buildup. The procedure requires local anesthesia to ensure your comfort, and involves the insertion of a catheter through the femoral artery, guided by real-time X-ray imaging. While Evergreen Park carotid stenting is generally safe and effective, it carries some risks, such as stroke, bleeding, infection, and damage to the blood vessel.
When to consider carotid stenting
You may need to consider carotid stenting if you have carotid artery stenosis, which is the narrowing of the carotid artery due to plaque buildup. The minimally invasive procedure can help prevent strokes by widening the narrowed artery and improving blood flow to your brain.
If you have already experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, you may also benefit from carotid stenting. The treatment may also be effective for patients who have not had a stroke but have a high risk of having one, such as those with multiple risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you are also not good candidates for carotid endarterectomy, your provider may suggest carotid stenting as an alternative treatment.
What to expect during a carotid stenting procedure
Carotid stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that treats carotid artery stenosis. Your provider will administer local anesthesia during the treatment to numb the area. Your surgeon will then create a small incision in your groin area and insert a catheter into the femoral artery. Using real-time X-ray imaging, the team will guide the catheter to the carotid artery, where they insert a stent to widen the artery and improve blood flow.
The entire procedure usually requires about an hour to complete, and you can go home the same day. After the treatment, you will need to rest and avoid strenuous activity for a few days. You will also need to take medication to prevent blood clots and follow up with your doctor for regular check-ups.
Risks associated with carotid stenting
The most serious risk associated with carotid stenting is stroke. This complication can occur if a piece of plaque dislodges during the procedure and travels to your brain. The risk of stroke is higher if you have severe carotid artery stenosis or have previously had a stroke. Other risks of carotid stenting include bleeding, infection, allergic reaction to contrast dye, and damage to the blood vessel.
Before the procedure, you should understand the potential risks and discuss them with your doctor. To minimize the risks, you may need to provide your doctor with a complete medical history and inform them of any medications or supplements you are taking. It is also important to follow your provider’s instructions for pre and post-operative care to reduce the risk of complications.
To learn more about carotid stenting, call the Vascular Specialists’ office or use the online scheduling button to create an appointment.
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