What are carotid angioplasty and stenting?

This procedure, angioplasty with stenting, opens a blood vessel in an artery or vein. The carotid artery is one of the major arteries that run across the front of each side of your neck.

This procedure of carotid angioplasty and stenting involves the carotid artery. During surgery, doctors open the artery with a thin, hollow tube fitted with a balloon at one end.

Carotid artery stenosis is a condition in which one or both of the carotid arteries narrow. This may ultimately reduce blood flow to the brain, and consequently, a stroke might also occur. Carotid angioplasty and stenting are some kinds of non-dissecting, minimally invasive procedures.

The catheter is placed on the femoral artery during angioplasty. Then, it passes cautiously into the neck's carotid artery. A deflated balloon is allowed to pass out of the catheter's head to expand the narrowed area.

A catheter is advanced through an opening in the femoral artery and then passed into the neck's carotid artery for angioplasty. A deflated balloon is advanced down at the head of the catheter to widen the constricted area.

A stent, a very small mesh tube, may be placed in this area. It keeps the artery open and remains in place.

Why might I need carotid angioplasty and stenting?

Carotid artery stenosis commonly involves the narrowing of either one or both the carotid arteries due to atherosclerosis. Risk factors that may make the treatment more necessary include aging, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and obesity.

It may result in the loss of neurologic function and eye vision problems in some body parts with carotid artery stenosis. For instance, the possible development of blood clots in the narrowed carotid artery may lead to fatalities, heavy brain damage, and strokes.

Doctors prescribe certain medications that can help minimize the risk of stroke for people affected with mild carotid artery stenosis.

A severe blockage or multiple blockages and a history of previous strokes, also known as mini-strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIA), are more predisposed towards the doctor's suggestion of an artery opening procedure.

Another procedure is carotid angioplasty with stenting, and another is carotid endarterectomy. With this procedure, plaque and any arterial damage are removed.

Carotid angioplasty and stenting are more minimally invasive procedures. They require just a tiny incision, which may result in quicker healing times. Additionally, the risks of general anesthesia are avoided. Discuss the benefits and disadvantages of each procedure with your doctor.

How do I prepare for the procedure of carotid stenting and angioplasty?

Before your surgery, consult your healthcare professional about how to get ready for your surgery. Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking. This will include aspirin and other over-the-counter medications. Some of your medications will need to be stopped before your surgery. Your smoking must stop prior to your surgery. Discuss this with your physician if you require assistance to quit smoking.

Before surgery, you would require the following procedures:

• Blood tests to rule out infection and anemia.
• An ECG is a test to record the rhythm of your heart.
• Chest X-ray to see your lungs and heart.
• An ultrasound of the neck to see the carotid artery.
• CT angiography: This is an examination to assess blood flow in arteries and veins located in the head, neck, and chest organs, including the lungs.

Inform your doctor if:

• You had an illness recently, such as a fever.
• You are pregnant or become pregnant.
• You have an iodine allergy.
• Have you ever had any kind of reaction to any IV contrast dye?
• Do you have a problem with sedation?

Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the prior night on which you have the surgery done.  You might receive further preparation instructions from your healthcare practitioner.

What happens during carotid angioplasty and stenting?

Discuss the procedure with your health provider, which is usually performed by a vascular medicine doctor and a staff of specially trained nurses.

• Carotid angioplasty and stenting: Your doctor will usually discuss this with you, and a vascular medicine physician alongside specially trained nurses may perform it.
• Hair removal and local anesthesia can be performed in the procedure area.
• A patient will have an IV started before the procedure for sedation to cause relaxation and drowsiness. The procedure area may include hair removal, with local anesthesia present at the start of the procedure for comfort.
• A doctor makes a small incision in a blood vessel in the groin and introduces through it a long, thin wire to guide the procedure.
• A doctor inserts a flexible catheter with a deflated balloon over a wire, threading it through a blood vessel into the carotid artery in the neck, using continuous X-ray images to locate the catheter.
• The space will inflate the constricted region of the carotid artery. It then expands by the space.
• You can leave a stent (a mesh tube) in the affected area, keeping the space open.
• Inflate the balloon so that it will expand its size.
• The catheter will be withdrawn after the balloon has been deflated.
• The groin incision site will be wrapped and closed.

What happens after carotid angioplasty and stenting?

You will be groggy and confused during the long hours you spend in a recovery room after your treatment. Your doctor will note your vital signs, including heart rhythm and respiratory rate; if necessary, he/she might administer analgesics at that moment.

For some hours after surgery, you will be advised to stay flat with your legs straight so that bleeding is controlled. Depending on the instructions of your doctor, you will either be released on the same day or overnight at the hospital. You should have a friend or family member drive you home.

You will probably feel some tenderness after the procedure, and you could probably expect some bruising where the catheter was inserted. If necessary, you may take over-the-counter pain medication. Take a nap, and do not attempt any strenuous exercise for at least one day.

What risks are associated with carotid stenting and angioplasty?

The procedure carries risks such as:

• Infection
• Heavy bleeding
• Artery injury
• Allergic reaction to contrast material
• Kidney damage
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Sudden vessel closure
• Low blood pressure
• Heart arrhythmias, like bradycardia
• Recurrence of obstruction

Depending on your condition, age, and health in general, your risks may vary. You may be at a greater risk of developing complications if:

• You develop symptoms of carotid stenosis
• You have had a mini-stroke or full-stroke
• You have other health conditions, like diabetes

Ask your doctor which of these risk factors is most relevant to you.

When should I call the doctor?

If you experience any of the following, inform your doctor:

• Swelling or tenderness at the incision site that increases
• The incision site may have blood or fluid leaking from it
• Redness or warmth at the incision site
• Fever
• Chest pain

Follow all of your doctor's instructions. This includes all sorts of recommendations related to medications, workouts, as well as taking care of injuries.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for carotid stenting and angioplasty in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for carotid stenting and angioplasty in Lucknow, India. We have a highly experienced team of vascular surgeons who use advanced tools and follow international standard infection control measures. Our hospital ensures safer procedures, quicker recovery, and improved long-term outcomes.

To seek an expert consultation for carotid stenting and angioplasty in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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