What is Carotid artery stenting surgery?

Carotid stent surgery is another procedure for treating carotid artery stenosis. This procedure is less invasive as it takes a shorter time to recover, though it does pose some risks.

This is a minimally invasive treatment for carotid artery stenosis, characterized by the accumulation of plaque in the arteries supplying your brain. The two large arteries that feed blood to your brain are on each side of your neck.

In carotid stent surgery, a stent or a metal tube is inserted into the carotid artery to keep the structure open and blood flows more freely without any obstruction.

Carotid stenting is a rare treatment for carotid artery stenosis. This type of surgical procedure carries less risk and is very successful as plaque is removed from the carotid artery.

When is surgery for a carotid stent necessary?

Carotid artery stenosis is the term for plaque build-up in the carotid arteries, which lie on either side of the neck. It is treated with carotid stenting.

Plaque is made of calcium, cholesterol, and fat. Atherosclerosis occurs when this becomes dangerously high, causing your arteries to become significantly narrowed. This will increase the difficulty of blood flowing into your brain using these blood arteries. Carotid artery stenosis increases your risk for stroke.

Some of the factors that may make you more likely to get carotid artery stenosis include:

  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Has a disease condition known as hypertension, or high blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Advanced age

An article states that carotid stenting is usually recommended for patients who have 50% stenosis and symptoms or 70% stenosis and no symptoms.

Besides, carotid stenting is usually recommended for patients who should avoid more invasive operations. This might include patients who have:

  • Heart failure with congestion
  • Severe lung conditions such as COPD
  • Had suffered a recent cardiac attack.
  • A history of previous neck irradiation

What is involved in carotid stenting?

Carotid stenting is typically carried out at the hospital. On the procedure day, your doctor will give you advice on what to do and not to do, including fasting.

Anti-clotting medications and other medications are administered before the therapy to drowsy and relax you.

Generally, the outcome after carotid stenting is as follows, but in some cases, it may vary:

  • Usually, a small incision to your groin will be made to insert a catheter into one of your arteries.
  • This catheter will carry a filter basket that captures any loose plaque that is released during the procedure.
  • Once the catheter reaches your carotid artery, it will be inflated, which will dissolve the blockage in your carotid artery.
  • A stent would be placed inside the artery after it has inflated.
  • The small incision will then be closed once the catheter has withdrawn.

How long does recovery take after surgical placement of a carotid stent?

You will usually need to spend at least one day in the hospital after carotid stent surgery. You'll be closely monitored for any signs of bleeding or stroke symptoms.

You'll be given instructions about what you can and can't do during recovery, as well as which medicines you should take when you return home.

The length of the recovery period following this therapy is unknown, but it often includes a 24 to 48 hour stay in the hospital that transitions into a few days or more of recovery at home.

Recovery time might vary from person to person. This could be due to age, general health, or chronic medical disorders.

What are the risks associated with carotid stenting?

The most serious risk of carotid stent surgery is stroke immediately after the surgery. This is because a fragment can break off from the wall of the carotid artery during the treatment and enter the brain, posing a very serious risk.

There is one research that has proven to show that most strokes after carotid stenting are harmless and therefore do not require medical intervention. This research was also able to conclude that the highest risk of stroke following the surgery occurred among those patients over 70.

  • Carotid artery dissection
  • Carotid artery embolization: A blood clot becomes lodged in a blood vessel
  • Infection or bleeding at the site of catheter insertion
  • Catheter stent placement not successful

What is the carotid stenting success rate?

Carotid stent surgery is considered one of the most successful treatments for the stenosis of the carotid artery. It significantly reduces the risk of stroke. In fact, the success rate of stent surgery in the long run is said to be similar to that of carotid endarterectomy.

A study reported that the chance of having a stroke ten years after undergoing carotid endarterectomy and carotid stent surgery was drastically reduced.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Carotid artery stenting surgery?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most skilled professionals in the country. With the finest vascular surgeons specialized in Carotid artery stenting surgery. Tender Palm stands out as the one of the best hospital for vascular surgeries in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To seek an expert consultation for any vascular condition

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

Request an Appointment
Mon - Sat 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM IST

Our Experts

Dr. Ashutosh Pandey
Dr. Ashutosh Pandey
Consultant - Vascular Surgeon

Awards & Accreditations