Carotid Artery Disease News and Research

Approximately one-fourth of all strokes are caused by carotid artery disease, a condition wherein one or both carotid arteries in the neck become blocked by plaque, which can break off and cause stroke. Traditional surgical treatment for carotid artery disease often involves general anesthesia and requires an incision in a patient's neck to remove plaque from inside the artery wall. Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients who require intervention to prevent a stroke and are at high risk for complications from traditional surgery. The procedure is performed by delivering a stent on a catheter through the femoral artery in the groin. The catheter is maneuvered through the patient's vasculature to the carotid artery. The stent, which is designed to prevent arterial plaque and debris from breaking off and blocking blood flow to the brain, is then expanded at the site of the blockage.