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Carotid Artery Treatment

The carotid arteries carry essential blood, oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When these arteries are diseased and become partially or completely blocked, you will begin to experience severe symptoms such as stroke, loss of vision, graying of vision in one eye, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or reversible ischemic neurological deficit (RIND).

  1. When Treatment Must Occur

    • Treatment of carotid artery disease must occur when the artery is narrowed by 50 percent or more. Treatment options reduce the risk of stroke and irreparable damage to the brain. If you are experiencing any symptoms related to the blockage of your carotid, consult your physician immediately. Diagnosis is made by performing an ultrasound of the carotid arteries.

    Treatment Options

    • A carotid blockage of 50 percent or less is considered mild to moderate. If your blockage is mild to moderate, further damage can be prevented with medication and monitoring. In addition, known contributing factors such as cigarette smoking must be eliminated. If the blockage becomes severe, surgical options will be necessary.

      The most invasive procedure to treat carotid artery blockage is carotid endarterectomy. This procedure includes opening the carotid artery and removing the blockage and additional arterial plaque. During surgery, the artery is temporarily bypassed as not to deprive the brain of blood and oxygen. The carotid artery is then closed. Sometimes a synthetic patch is used to help with the closure.

      Newer non-surgical treatments include balloon angioplasty and stents. During balloon angioplasty, a catheter is inserted in the groin and a guided balloon is put in that reaches to the carotid in the neck. The balloon is inflated to clear the blockage. A stent or metal tube is then put into the artery to keep it open. This procedure is currently only used on patients who are not able to tolerate surgery.

    Post Operative

    • Post operative treatment and recovery includes a gradual increase in daily activity. You may begin driving when your neck discomfort is at a minimum and you are no longer on post operative pain medication. Neck exercises will reduce stiffness. Continue all of your medications you were on prior to surgery per your doctor's instruction. Be aware of any abnormalities such as drainage from the wound. Blurred vision, weakness in the limbs or slurred speech must be reported to your doctor immediately. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and follow up on a regular basis with your physician.

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