Stroke Prevention

What is carotid artery stenosis or carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery stenosis is the narrowing of the carotid arteries. These are the main arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery stenosis, also called carotid artery disease, is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. (This is the most common form of stroke and is usually caused by a blood clot plugging an artery.) The narrowing is usually caused by plaque in a blood vessel. Plaque forms when cholesterol, fat and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This process is called atherosclerosis.

How is carotid artery stenosis diagnosed?

Carotid artery stenosis may or may not cause symptoms. A doctor may hear an abnormal sound called a bruit (BROO'e) when listening to the artery with a stethoscope. The stenosis can be easily detected with an ultrasound probe placed on the side of the neck near the carotid arteries. This is called carotid ultrasonography.

(American Heart Association)

Carotid Stenting

Carotid stenting is a new less invasive treatment for carotid stenosis. Using a small catheter, like the device used in cardiac angiograms, a stent is placed at the area of blockage and then deployed allowing improved blood flow to the brain. This new procedure has a much shorter recovery period and hospital stays as well as quicker results.

To learn more about this new procedure visit Guidant by clicking here.