Carotid Artery Disease Procedures
The carotid artery supplies the brain and the face with its needed blood supply. It can be affected by atherosclerosis which is the hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels. Usually, it is a disease that affects the elders. However, if the narrowing causes blood clots in the brain or is severe, it warrants intervention to correct. Your surgeon may offer either surgery or endovascular procedures for treating carotid artery disease.
Carotid Artery Surgery
Carotid artery surgery is medically called carotid endarterectomy. The surgical treatment of carotid artery narrowing is considered the gold standard by most international medical authorities. It is a safe surgery with an excellent long-term outcome.
The surgeon can perform the procedure under general or regional anesthesia. Then, through a small incision in the neck, the surgeon cleans out the hardened layer with the blood vessel during the operation by opening the artery and scrapping the calcifications off. After, the surgeon will close the artery after washing it and ensuring it is free of any calcification. The surgeon will then close the skin cosmetically. The patient will be observed by the surgical team overnight in the hospital.
Carotid artery surgery
Carotid Artery Stenting
Carotid artery stenting is an endovascular procedure. The surgeon will open the blood vessel narrowing by placing a metal stent. Endovascular procedures are minimally invasive. By using small wires and catheters (plastic tubes), the surgeon will access the carotid artery from the groin. There are no incisions in this procedure.
The recent advances in the technology of vascular stents improved the outcome of the procedures. However, most international authorities recommend this procedure for recurrence of the narrowing after previous surgery, previous radiation therapy to the neck, and other conditions deeming the traditional surgery risky to the patient. The patient will be observed by the surgical team overnight in the hospital. After the procedure, frequent follow-up is required, and blood thinners are given for a life.
