Home > Angioplasty - Stenting
Carotid angioplasty is a procedure that opens clogged arteries to prevent or treat stroke [1]. The carotid arteries are located on each side of your neck and are the main arteries supplying blood to your brain. The procedure involves temporarily inserting and inflating a tiny balloon where your carotid artery is clogged to widen the artery.
If you have severe narrowing of your carotid arteries (atherosclerosis [2]), even if you don't have symptoms of stroke [1], you may be a candidate for carotid angioplasty and stenting. In some cases, traditional carotid surgery (carotid endarterectomy) may be advised to remove the buildup of plaques (fatty material) [2] that is narrowing the artery. In other cases, angioplasty and stenting may be a better option.
Carotid angioplasty and stenting may be an appropriate stroke [3] treatment or stroke prevention option if:
You've had a stroke [1] or transient ischemic attack [4] (TIA, or ministroke)
You have a carotid artery with a 70 percent blockage [2] or more, especially if you've had a stroke [1] or stroke symptoms [1]
You aren't in good enough health to undergo surgery, for example, if you have severe heart [5] or lung disease, had radiation for neck tumors, or if you've already had a carotid endarterectomy and experience new narrowing after surgery (restenosis)
Stroke or ministroke [1] (transient ischemic attack, or TIA [4]). During angioplasty, blood clots that may form on the catheters can break loose and travel to your brain. Blood thinners are given during the procedure to reduce this risk. A stroke [1] can also occur if plaques in your artery are dislodged when the catheters are being threaded through the blood vessels.
Blood clots. Blood clots can form within stents even weeks or months after angioplasty. These clots may cause a stroke or death. It's important to take aspirin [6], clopidogrel (Plavix) [7] and other medications exactly as prescribed to decrease the chance of clots forming in your stent.
Follow your doctor's instructions about adjusting your current medications. Your doctor may instruct you to stop taking certain medications before angioplasty, particularly if you take certain diabetes [8] medications or blood thinners [9].
The catheter site may remain tender, swollen and bruised for a few days. There may be a small area of discoloration or a small lump in the area of the puncture. You may take paracetamol [10] in the recommended dose as needed for discomfort, or other medication as prescribed by your doctor.
For most people, carotid angioplasty and stenting increase blood flow through the previously blocked artery and reduce the risk or symptoms of stroke. [1] However, if your symptoms return, such as trouble walking or speaking, numbness on one side of your body, or other symptoms similar to those you had before your procedure, contact your doctor.
Lowering your cholesterol levels [11]
Controlling other conditions, such as diabetes [8], high blood pressure [12] and sleep apnea [13]
Source URL (modified on 2016-05-24 23:06): http://lynchspharmacy.com/health/angioplasty-stenting
[3] http://lynchspharmacy.com/health/stroke
[4] http://lynchspharmacy.com/health/transient-ischemic-attack
[6] http://lynchspharmacy.com/medicine/aspirin-nu-seals-75mgs
[7] http://lynchspharmacy.com/medicine/plavix
[9] http://lynchspharmacy.com/medicine/warfarin
[10] http://lynchspharmacy.com/medicine/paracetamol
[13] http://lynchspharmacy.com/health/sleep-apnea