At MedStar Health, we have neurosurgeons who specialize in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. After a careful evaluation, your neurosurgeon will counsel you on the safest type of treatment for you.
Carotid artery stenosis is the narrowing of the carotid arteries (the arteries responsible for providing your head with oxygenated blood) from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque. Carotid artery stenosis increases your risk of having a stroke. In mild cases, medicines can be used to lower your risk of stroke. In more severe cases, a procedure should be done to reopen the carotid artery.
Procedures that treat carotid artery stenosis include:
- Carotid endarterectomy
- Carotid artery stenting
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA)
For most patients, a carotid endarterectomy is the safest procedure to treat carotid artery stenosis. This is a surgical procedure during which the artery is opened in the neck and the plaque is cleaned out. The surgery is very effective at lowering your risk of stroke.
Our specially trained neurosurgeons perform this surgery using:
- Microsurgery to precisely and safely remove plaque from the wall of the carotid artery
- Electrophysiological monitoring of patients while they are under anesthesia. At MedStar Health, we have neurologists who are dedicated to intraoperative monitoring. The neurologist provides your neurosurgeon real-time data on how your nervous system is functioning during the operation. This allows us to maintain the highest levels of safety during surgery.
Carotid artery stenting (CAS)
For some patients, carotid artery stenting is the safer procedure. This is an endovascular procedure during which a catheter is advanced through the carotid artery via the groin, and a balloon is inflated to crack open the plaque. A metal stent (cylindrical wire mesh) is then left in the artery to hold it open.
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