Carotid artery stenting is a catheter-based treatment for selected people with narrowing of the neck arteries that supply the brain. People seeking carotid stenosis assessment in Vijayawada need an individual comparison of medicines, carotid endarterectomy and stenting. A stent is not appropriate for every narrowing.
Understanding carotid artery narrowing
Plaque can narrow a carotid artery or release material that blocks a smaller brain artery. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke may be the first sign. Sudden facial drooping, weakness in one arm or difficulty speaking requires emergency care, even if symptoms improve. Do not wait for an outpatient appointment.
Tests and treatment decisions
Assessment may include Doppler ultrasound and CT or MR angiography. The team considers symptoms, severity and location of narrowing, age, other illnesses and the risks of each option. Blood pressure control, cholesterol treatment, smoking cessation and prescribed antiplatelet medicines remain important. Some patients need monitoring and medicines rather than a procedure.
How carotid stenting works
Under X-ray guidance, a catheter reaches the narrowed artery through a small arterial access. A stent holds the narrowed segment open; a balloon may also be used. Protection devices may reduce the passage of plaque fragments towards the brain. The approach and equipment depend on the artery and treatment plan.
Benefits, risks and alternatives
Stenting can improve blood flow and reduce future stroke risk in appropriately selected patients. It also carries a risk of stroke during or soon after treatment. It is not universally safer than carotid endarterectomy. Other risks include bleeding at the access site, artery injury, contrast reactions and re-narrowing. The team should explain the balance of risks for the individual patient.
Care after a carotid stent
Follow the prescribed antiplatelet schedule and do not stop these medicines without speaking to the treating team. Follow-up ultrasound may be arranged to assess the stent. Continuing vascular risk-factor care is necessary after a technically successful procedure.
Vascular consultation in Vijayawada
Bring previous brain scans, Doppler reports, discharge summaries and your medicine list. Read about the clinic’s vascular treatments or request an appointment with Dr Bhavani Shankar Manam, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist.
