Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)

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Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat carotid artery disease, a condition characterized by the narrowing of one or both of the carotid arteries due to atherosclerotic plaque buildup. These arteries are critical as they supply blood to the brain, and their narrowing can lead to an increased risk of stroke. Here's a comprehensive overview of carotid stenting:

• Minimally Invasive: Unlike carotid endarterectomy, carotid stenting does not require open surgery. This means shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times.
• Reduced Stroke Risk: By restoring normal blood flow to the brain, carotid stenting significantly lowers the risk of strokes caused by carotid artery disease.
• Less Pain and Scarring: The procedure involves small incisions, usually in the groin, resulting in less pain during recovery and minimal scarring.
• Immediate Results: Blood flow through the carotid artery improves immediately after the procedure, providing quick relief from symptoms associated with carotid artery disease.

1. Pre-Procedure Evaluation: Patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including imaging tests such as angiography to assess the severity and location of the carotid artery narrowing.
2. Preparation: The procedure typically requires patients to take certain medications, such as blood thinners, beforehand. On the day of the procedure, patients are usually asked to fast for several hours.
3. Anesthesia: Carotid stenting is generally performed under local anesthesia, where the patient remains awake but the insertion site is numbed. Sedatives may be given to ensure comfort.
4. Accessing the Artery: A small incision is made, usually in the groin, to access the femoral artery. A catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is then inserted into the artery.
5. Navigating to the Carotid Artery: Guided by fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray), the catheter is carefully navigated through the vascular system to the narrowed carotid artery.
6. Placing the Stent: A balloon catheter is advanced to the site of narrowing, and the balloon is inflated to open the artery. A stent (a small metal mesh tube) is then placed to keep the artery open.
7. Finishing the Procedure: The balloon and catheter are removed, leaving the stent in place. The incision site is closed, and the patient is taken to a recovery area for observation.
8. Recovery: Most patients can go home the following day. Recovery involves following specific post-procedure instructions, including taking medications to prevent blood clots.

Choosing the right treatment involves considering the procedure's benefits and risks, the patient's overall health, and the specific characteristics of the carotid artery disease. At Cortex Vascular, our team ensures that patients are fully informed about their options and what to expect, guiding them through every step of the process.

Our care is rooted in personalized attention and leveraging advanced diagnostics and treatment techniques to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. We're committed to supporting our patients before, during, and after their carotid stenting procedure, ensuring a smooth recovery and a return to health.