The main goal of carotid artery disease treatment is to halt progression and prevent stroke. Prevention starts with lifestyle modifications including a healthy diet, exercise and stopping smoking.
Making these changes can help reduce or remove the plaque and keep blood vessels running right long-term. The type of treatment will depend on how blocked the carotid arteries are, the level of symptoms, and your age and overall health.
Carotid endarterectomy is a surgery that allows doctors to remove plaque buildup from the carotid artery. This surgery can help reduce your risk for a stroke and restore normal blood flow to the brain.
Carotid endarterectomy is performed while you are under general or local anesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision over the carotid artery and locates the plaque-filled area. A clamp temporarily stops the blood, which allows your doctor to carefully remove the plaque buildup from the inner lining of the artery. The artery is then sewn back together, and the clamp is removed.
After carotid endarterectomy, you may spend one night in the hospital and then you can typically resume normal activity within a few weeks. You’ll visit your surgeon to have your stitches removed, and they’ll check to make sure there are no complications.
Angioplasty is a procedure to open arteries that are blocked or narrowed by plaque. It can be used in arteries throughout the body to restore blood flow.
Angioplasty is performed with either sedation to allow you to relax or while you’re asleep under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the doctor inserts a catheter into a blood vessel through a small incision in the arm or groin. The doctor then guides the catheter to the site of the blockage. A balloon at the tip of the catheter then inflates, compressing the plaque against the artery wall.
In many cases, doctors use a small metal mesh tube called a stent, which is placed through the catheter. Once inside the artery, the stent helps keep it open to improve blood flow. The stent may be coated in a medicine that helps prevent the artery from narrowing again.
After angioplasty, you’ll remain at the hospital for at least a few hours, possibly overnight. Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners to prevent additional clots. You can usually resume normal activities within a week. Your doctor will guide you on how often you will need follow-up visits to check that the angioplasty is working well and the stent, if you have one, is still in place.
Carotid stenting is a procedure to address plaque buildup in the carotid arteries in the neck. It is usually performed with sedation to help you relax or general anesthesia so you’re asleep. During this procedure, a catheter is inserted into a small incision at the top of the leg. The catheter is guided to the blocked carotid artery, and a balloon on the end of the catheter is inflated to push the plaque to the side. In most cases, a mesh tube called a stent is placed inside the artery to keep it open.
After carotid stenting, you may need to remain in the hospital overnight before returning home. In most cases, you will be limited to light activity for about a week.
