A significant percentage of people in the U.S. have a risk of getting a stroke. Fortunately, you can now prevent stroke with an innovative procedure known as carotid stenting. At Vascular Specialists, the team of experienced practitioners offers Evergreen Park carotid stenting that opens clogged arteries that block blood flow to your brain. So, if you are at risk of a stroke because of arterial blockages or suffer from carotid artery disease, you should consider undertaking carotid stenting. Here is a look at more information about the procedure.
What Exactly Is Carotid Stenting?
You are at significant risk of a stroke if you have artery blockages on the arteries that deliver oxygen-rich blood to your brain. Carotid stenting is a treatment procedure that involves inserting a little wire mesh tube into the clogged artery. The mesh widens the artery channels via which blood flows. This ensures your brain receives sufficient nourishment and oxygen.
Why Would You Require a Carotid Stent?
Sometimes, the arteries that take oxygenated blood to the brain get lined with a plaque that can’t handle normal blood flow. These blockages can result in a transient ischemic attack that temporarily restricts blood flow to your brain. This causes confusion, blurry vision, weakness, etc. if you have experienced such symptoms, you should get carotid artery disease screening immediately. The doctor might recommend carotid stenting if you are diagnosed with advanced blockages that might not resolve with lifestyle changes and medications. The procedure is often recommended to individuals with a high risk of heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and who have undergone neck surgery or radiation.
What Should You Expect During Carotid Stenting Procedure?
When you visit a vascular specialist for carotid stenting, the providers start by giving you local anesthesia. They then take x-rays of your carotid arteries to screen their state. During the carotid stenting procedure, the specialists insert a tiny tube into an artery, normally in the groin. They then place a catheter with a balloon tip via the tube to the affected carotid artery using an X-ray direction.
Once the catheter is in the affected carotid artery, the balloon tip is inflated to clear the debris in the clogged artery. The stent is then inserted into the newly opened artery via the tube and left in place to prevent the narrowing of the vessel in the future.
What Happens After the Stenting Procedure?
After the procedure, you don’t require stitches. A small patch will be used to conceal the incision. However, you will need to stay asleep for some hours to avert bleeding from the catheter insertion spot. You should also avoid strenuous activity for at least a day or two after the procedure. After that, you will be okay to go back to your normal activities.
Stroke is a lethal medical condition. Carotid stenting is the best procedure to prevent the risk if you have been diagnosed with carotid artery disease or are at a high risk of stroke. Call or book an appointment online with the team at Vascular Specialists to receive the best treatment.