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Carotid Stenting May Prevent Strokes

Andrew J. Feiring, M.D., Cardiologist, Advanced Healthcare Milwaukee

Posted: Sept. 1, 2006

Stroke prevention is always the best medicine. However, the key to preventing a stroke is to find and treat patients who have risk factors associated with stroke.

About a third of all strokes can be attributed to problems in the carotid artery. The carotid artery originates at the top of the aorta (the main heart artery) and continues up through the neck. This part of the carotid artery is known as the common carotid.

Close to the ear, the common carotid branches into two smaller arteries, known as the internal and external carotid arteries. The internal carotid artery continues upward, supplying blood to the brain. The external carotid artery supplies blood to the face.

These smaller arteries are where blockages and narrowing of the artery are likely to occur. Methods to treat a narrowed area or blockage is with an angioplasty or placement of a stent.

A stent acts as a scaffold to support the artery and prevent it from closing or being blocked. Different types of stents are used in different areas of the body. The type used in the neck area is a self-expanding stent. It is made of a special nickel titanium alloy, a material that can bend on a regular basis without compromising its strength.

The self-expanding stent is inserted into the artery through a small puncture, usually in the groin. A restraining membrane covers the stent as it travels through the artery. When the stent reaches its destination, the surgeon removes the membrane cover, which allows the stent to open. This, in turn, forces the artery open and pushes aside any plaque.

If the carotid artery is determined to be about 60 to 70 percent blocked, the risk of stroke increases significantly. For these patients, stenting is an important preventive procedure. Although stenting and angioplasty come with a slight risk of triggering a stroke, that possibility is very minimal, between 1-2%.

Patients who have had a first stroke are at a significantly higher risk for a second one. A stent can greatly reduce this risk. Stroke survivors usually have a stent inserted soon after they are stabilized, about three to four weeks after the stroke occurred.

Preventing a stroke is not always possible. When a stroke occurs, it is important to seek medical help right away.



Andrew J. Feiring, M.D.
Cardiologist, Advanced Healthcare Milwaukee
(414) 247-4500

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