Carotid Artery Stenting and Surgery

Carotid artery disease arises from a blockage in the arteries located on both sides of the neck. The blockage is usually caused by an accumulation of fatty cholesterol deposits, or plaque. This condition can reduce blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke.

Lifestyle changes or medication may improve carotid artery disease. When those treatments aren’t sufficient, minimally invasive angioplasty with stenting may be able to relieve the blockage. During angioplasty, a thin, flexible catheter with a balloon tip is guided into the accumulated plaque. The balloon tip then inflates, opening the vessel and allowing blood to flow. At the same time, a wire mesh stent (small tube) may be inserted to support the artery and help keep it from narrowing.

Vascular surgeons at Blank Vascular Center also perform carotid endarterectomy. This surgery opens the blocked neck artery and uses special microsurgical instruments to remove the obstructing plaque.

For expertise on carotid artery stenting and surgery, contact the specialists at Abington’s Pilla Heart Center and Blank Vascular Center.