WHY IS CAROTID ANGIOPLASTY AND STENTING NECESSARY?
Patients with significant carotid stenosis are potential candidates for the procedure. Carotid angioplasty and stenting should be reserved for patients who are not good surgical candidates. The devices used in angioplasty and stenting are not yet FDA approved for this purpose although this will likely change in the near future. A few examples of candidates for angioplasty and stenting include: patients with illnesses that prevent surgery, prior radiation therapy to the neck, prior carotid endarterectomy, and lesions that are difficult to access surgically.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE AND WHAT IS IT LIKE?
The evening before the exam you may not eat or drink anything. You will be instructed which medications you may take in the morning, and when to arrive at the hospital. After registering at the hospital, you will be sent to the Special Procedures Area, where you will have an intravenous (IV) line placed in your arm, and a tube (Foley) will be placed into your bladder. Fluids, pain medication and blood thinners will be given prior to your procedure. You will then be sent to the Interventional Angiography Suite in the Department of Radiology. Here you will meet with your doctor (Interventional Radiologist) and nurses/technologists trained in this procedure. You will be given sedation for relaxation and discomfort, but you will be conscious during the procedure.
A catheter (or plastic tube) is advanced into the femoral artery, located in your groin region, and navigated with x-rays into the carotid artery. An angiogram is then performed which includes injecting x-ray dye and taking digital images of the carotid artery. The area of narrowing is then expanded with a balloon and a stent is placed into the artery restoring normal blood flow. A protection device may be used to prevent an unwanted clot from going to the brain. The catheter is then removed. You will be observed in the hospital overnight. Most patients go home the next day and can return to normal activity within a couple of days.
WHAT ARE POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS FROM CAROTID STENTING?
A hematoma (or bruise) in the groin region may occur and will heal quickly. It is unlikely, but possible that you may have a reaction or kidney problems due to the x-ray dye. Serious complications from carotid angioplasty and stenting are rare. Stroke and bleeding into the brain are the two most serious but relatively uncommon complications.
WHO WILL BE PERFORMING MY CAROTID ANGIOPLASTY AND STENTING?
Your procedure will be performed by either Dr. Gyorke or Dr. Jeck, both Senior Members of the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (ASITN). They are both Fellowship trained in all aspects of neuroembolizations and are very experienced, with one of the most successful Interventional Neuroradiology practices in the country.
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PDF for more information.
For more information or to schedule a consult, call Tracey at
520-873-3724.
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