How Is Carotid Angioplasty with Stent Done?
Risks of Carotid Angioplasty with Stent
How to Prepare for Carotid Angioplasty with Stent?
Food & Medicines for Carotid Angioplasty with Stent
What to Expect before Carotid Angioplasty with Stent?
What to Expect during Carotid Angioplasty with Stent?
What to Expect after Carotid Angioplasty with Stent?
Contact Dr. Arun for Carotid Angioplasty with Stent
Carotid angioplasty with stent is a minimally-invasive medical procedure used to treat narrowing or blocking of the carotid arteries in the neck. Carotid arteries tend to be the major blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. The procedure involves temporarily inserting and inflating a balloon to widen the artery, and then placing a stent to keep the artery open.
Why Is it Done?
Narrowing of the carotid arteries is a condition called carotid artery stenosis that can lead to a stroke, which is a serious medical emergency, wherein, the blood supply to the brain is cut off; it can lead to paralysis, vision problems, and even death. Carotid angioplasty with stent is done to open up the carotid arteries and improve blood flow to the brain. The procedure is also called carotid artery stenting. This is a minimally invasive procedure. That means it is done through a small incision in the neck. This process is usually performed on an out-patient basis meaning to have the flexibility of going home on the same day as the procedure is done. The procedure is usually recommended for people who have a carotid artery that is 50% or more blocked.
How Is Carotid Angioplasty with Stent Done?
The procedure can be done on an emergency basis to treat a blockage that is causing a stroke. The procedure is done by threading a small catheter through the artery to the area of narrowing. Then a balloon is inflated for the widening of the artery. A stent, or small metal coil, is placed in the artery to keep it open.
Risks of Carotid Angioplasty with Stent
Generally, the risks are low, and the procedure is generally safe. However, there could be certain complications, as follows:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Death
How to Prepare for Carotid Angioplasty with Stent?
If you are scheduled for the procedure, your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare. This may include stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners.
Food & Medicines for Carotid Angioplasty with Stent
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on what food and medications to avoid. You will also be given information on signs and symptoms to watch for.
What to Expect before Carotid Angioplasty with Stent?
Your doctor will likely recommend that you stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure. You may also be asked to temporarily stop smoking and to avoid drinking alcohol. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything that contains caffeine. You may also be asked to fast for a period of time (at least 8 hours) before the procedure. Also, before the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. You will also be asked to fast for several hours before the procedure. This is so that you will be less likely to vomit during the procedure.
What to Expect during Carotid Angioplasty with Stent?
During the procedure, you may feel a brief sensation of pressure. The patient might even be given some kind of sedative to relax.
What to Expect after Carotid Angioplasty with Stent?
After the procedure, you will be monitored in the recovery area for a period of time (a few hours) before being discharged. You may experience some bruising and swelling at the site of the incision.
Contact Dr. Arun for Carotid Angioplasty with Stent
You can help reduce your risk of complications by following the instructions of Dr. Arun, who is an expert in this domain.
