Question 1

do stenting procedures for carotids also clean out the existing plaque?

Accepted Answer

No: Revascularization uses the pressure of the balloon (angioplasty) or stent to open the artery to allow unimpeded or improved blood flow.  The plaque is not removed during the procedure.  Aggressive medical treatment and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of restenosis and slow plaque growth in some cases.

Question 2

what's it like to have a stent in either carotid or vertebral artery?

Accepted Answer

Placed in both: I have experience in deploying stents in both carotid and vertebral arteries. Mostly these are treated with surgery but stenting is a viable option in select group of patients who are not candidates for surgery.

Question 3

what is the definition or description of: carotid stenting?

Accepted Answer

Expandable metal...: Usually, in carotid stenting, a self-expanding stent made of nitinol is used. Nitinol is unusual in that it changes shape and size depending on the temperature at which it is in. So it may be 0.5 mm at room temperature and 10 mm in the carotid. A stent pushes plaque to the sides and opens up the artery to let blood through. This can be used to prevent a stroke.

Question 4

my carotid has a 60% occlusion - when do i have to have a stent place in it?

Accepted Answer

Usually 70%: How did you find out that your artery is 60% occluded. Usually guidelines state that you do not need a stent placed until you are having symptoms (lightheadedness/dizziness, vision loss, etc) and it is 70% occluded. Depending on your situation, however, your primary doctor or cardiologist may have a different discussion with you. It is best to also get their opinion. Best wishes.

Question 5

can a carotid stent be visible from the outside?

Accepted Answer

No: Carotid stents can not be seen from the outside. It takes an x-ray to be able to visualize the carotid stent.

Question 6

what kind of hospital does carotid stenting and endartectomy operations?

Accepted Answer

Many: Most full service general and specialty hospitals in major population centers may have these capabilities. Angiographic labs and vascular surgical specialists are the services to check out.

Question 7

who cannot have a carotid stent operation?

Accepted Answer

See below.: Patients with calcified arteries or plaque in the arteries in their chest - risk of it breaking off and causing a stroke. This includes many older patients >80 years. Patients with tortuous or twisted arteries - can't get the stent up to the carotid. Some argue that low surgical risk asymptomatic patients should get surgery or nothing due to the higher stroke risk in several studies with stents.

Question 8

when should someone have carotid artery stenting done?

Accepted Answer

Carotid stenting: read this for some information:

http://www.vascularweb.org/vascularhealth/pages/carotid-stenting.aspx

Question 9

should my mom have carotid artery stenting done if she doesn't really need it?

Accepted Answer

No.: Depending on the reasons your mom has been recommended for a carotid stent, generally i'd say she shouldn't have one.  For most experts on carotid artery disease the reasons to suggest carotid stenting are few.  Unless she has had neck surgery or radiation in the past, i'd guess she doesn't really need one.  Discuss further with a board-certified vascular surgeon.

Question 10

can you tell me if there are any side effects of carotid stent procedure?

Accepted Answer

Potentially yes....: Carotid stenting is associated with a 4%-8% stroke risk (higher than endarterectomy), 1%-2% potential risk for a heart attack  (lower than endarterectomy), and femoral artery access complications such as bleeding (unique to carotid stenting). In the properly selected patient (suitable anatomy) with active heart disease, previous surgery or neck radiation, carotid stenting is a great procedure.

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Doctor answers about:

How long do carotid stents generally last

A member asked:

Do stenting procedures for carotids also clean out the existing plaque?

A member asked:

What's it like to have a stent in either carotid or vertebral artery?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: carotid stenting?

A member asked:

My carotid has a 60% occlusion - when do i have to have a stent place in it?

A member asked:

Can a carotid stent be visible from the outside?

A member asked:

What kind of hospital does carotid stenting and endartectomy operations?

A member asked:

Who cannot have a carotid stent operation?

A member asked:

When should someone have carotid artery stenting done?

A member asked:

Should my mom have carotid artery stenting done if she doesn't really need it?

A member asked:

Can you tell me if there are any side effects of carotid stent procedure?

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