Carotid arteries supply blood to your brain, but when they are clogged, blood flow reduces. The treatment aims to prevent you from developing a stroke. Evergreen Park carotid stenting treatment involves minimally invasive procedures that place a stent on the clogged arteries to widen them so you can have increased blood flow. You are at a high risk of developing carotid stenting if you have heart disease, diabetes, and previous neck surgery.
Why You May Need Carotid Stenting
Carotid stenting involves opening clogged arteries in your brain to restore blood flow. Your doctor usually recommends this procedure to treat and prevent strokes. You may require this treatment if you are experiencing new narrowing after surgery and have a big blockage. You may also need this procedure if the location of your narrowing causes difficulty accessing with an endarterectomy.
How Can You Prepare for Carotid Stenting?
Before carotid stenting, your doctor will do a medical review of your history through a comprehensive physical exam. The tests may include an ultrasound to produce images of your narrowed arteries, MRA to give highly detailed images, and carotid angiography to examine blood vessels. Your doctor will then instruct you on what to eat and drink before the procedure. You may also need to stop taking medications like blood thinners and use small water sips only.
What Can You Expect During Carotid Stenting?
You may not require general anesthesia. Therefore, you will stay awake throughout the procedure. Your doctor may administer medications and fluid through an IV catheter that can help you relax during the procedure. You may need to shave your groin before your doctor injects local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Your doctor will then punctuate your artery and pass a small tube using an X-ray guide. You may not feel anything when the catheter passes because your arteries have no nerve endings. Your doctor will thread a balloon tip to widen the narrowed vessel and then place a stent to support the artery and prevent it from narrowing again. You will need pressure on the site after treatment to stop bleeding.
What Happens After Carotid Stenting?
You will lie still for hours to prevent bleeding at the insertion site. Your doctor will probably discharge you within 24 hours after treatment, meaning you may stay in the hospital overnight. You will likely notice swelling, tenderness, and bruising on the treatment area for a few days. You may also notice a slight discoloration and a small puncture which will go away soon. Your doctor will advise avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities after the procedure. You will experience improved blood flow, reducing your risk of developing a stroke.
Vascular Specialists offer carotid stenting to treat carotid artery disease and improve your symptoms while reducing your risk of strokes. You can find out more about the procedure if you raise any concerns you may have. Your doctor will also recommend guidelines you can follow after treatment for successful results. Make your online appointment today via the website.
