If not treated, clogging your arteries can lead to life-threatening medical disorders like stroke. Considering an Evergreen Park carotid stenting procedure at Vascular Specialists is the first step to preserving your general health and wellness.
Table of Contents
What does carotid stenting involve?
Blockages in the arteries responsible for transporting oxygen to your brain may increase your risk of a stroke. Carotid stenting unclogs the blocked artery by introducing a tiny wire mesh tube into the affected artery. The stent allows blood to flow smoothly to your brain and restore normal functioning.
Carotid angioplasty and stenting are often recommended in cases where carotid endarterectomy is too risky or is not possible. Your provider may perform carotid stenting in conjunction with angioplasty, which involves inserting a catheter into an artery in your groin and threading it up to the affected artery in your neck. The catheter is attached to a tiny deflated balloon at the end, which opens the clogged area.
When should you consider carotid stenting?
When the arteries transporting oxygen and nutrients to your brain accumulate plaque, they restrict normal blood flow, increasing your risk of life-threatening complications. In some cases, this blockage results in transient ischemic attack (TIA), which hinders blood flow to your brain, leading to confusion, blurry vision, and weakness.
If you experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately to screen you for carotid artery disease. If you have severe blockages that your doctor cannot resolve with lifestyle adjustments and medications, they may recommend carotid stenting. This procedure is excellent for patients with high chances of developing heart diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, or a history of surgery or radiation to the neck.
What happens during a carotid stenting treatment?
During your appointment at Vascular Specialists, the team takes X-rays of your carotid arteries for analysis. Before the treatment, they administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you have a pleasant experience throughout the procedure. Your physician then places a tiny tube into an artery in your groin. The specialists direct the catheter attached to a balloon via the tube to the clogged carotid artery under the guidance of X-ray images. The inflation of the balloon tip breaks the fatty deposits in your arterial walls, promoting smooth blood flow.
The team then places a stent into the artery to keep the carotid artery and prevent future clogging. You may only need a tiny patch over the incision near your groin. After the procedure, you may need to rest for a few hours to avoid bleeding in your groin. Your provider may advise you to avoid extreme activities for at least 24 hours after your treatment.
What should you expect after the procedure?
Your provider may discharge you after 24 hours of monitoring. The insertion site may have mild swelling, tenderness, bruising, discoloration, or a tiny lump that resolves after a few days. Acetaminophen is effective in alleviating discomfort. To learn more about carotid stenting, call the Vascular Specialists’ office or click on the online booking tool to create an appointment.