Carotid Artery Disease | Symptoms & Treatment
SYMPTOMS OF CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE
Because carotid artery disease develops slowly and often goes unnoticed, the first outward clue that you have the condition may be a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes referred to as a mini stroke. At California Vein & Vascular Centers you may undergo an ultrasound screening by a trained technologist for evaluation of carotid artery disease.
TREATMENT OF CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE
Treatment of carotid artery disease usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery or a stenting procedure. Dr. Ahluwalia performs a wide range of reconstructive and restorative operations to treat carotid disease including:
- Balloon Angioplasty Procedure – The insertion of an inflatable balloon into an artery to remove plaque
- Stenting – The insertion of a device that will hold open clogged arteries
- Thrombolysis – The removal of blood clots; and
- Artery repair or bypass
CAROTID ANGIOPLASTY & STENTING
Carotid angioplasty is a procedure that opens clogged arteries to prevent or treat stroke. The carotid arteries are located on each side of your neck and are the main arteries supplying blood to your brain. The procedure involves temporarily inserting and inflating a tiny balloon where your carotid artery is clogged to widen the artery.
Carotid angioplasty is often combined with the placement of a small metal coil called a stent in the clogged artery. The stent helps prop the artery open and decreases the chance of it narrowing again. Carotid angioplasty and stenting may be used when traditional carotid surgery isn’t feasible or is too risky.
