Question 1

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 2

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 3

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.

Question 4

when after a carotid stent placement is a severe headache ofconcern?

Accepted Answer

Follow up: A severe headache is always a concern, however when coupled with a major vascular surgery, it is something that should not be ignored.  You should notify your surgeon about your symptoms and follow up.  Best of luck.

Question 5

can a carotid stent cause me to have a headache due to more blood flow?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: If that is the cause use propanalol for short term. Usually it lasts less then a week.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

can a person have a stent procedure for his carotid and leave the hospital the same day?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Most centers will want to observe overnight to monitor for the occurrence of perhaps the most dangerous risk-that of a stroke.  Should that occur, rapid treatment is necessary to prevent progression, in fact, very early recognition is necessary.  Someone may be allowed to leave under perfect conditions, which may include proximity and an experienced, committed caregiver.

Question 9

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 10

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.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Xact carotid stent

A member asked:

Can a carotid stent be visible from the outside?

A member asked:

Who cannot have a carotid stent operation?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

When after a carotid stent placement is a severe headache ofconcern?

A member asked:

Can a carotid stent cause me to have a headache due to more blood flow?

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 person have a stent procedure for his carotid and leave the hospital the same day?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

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

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?