What is the best treatment for carotid arteries?
Carotid endarterectomy, the most common treatment for severe carotid artery disease. After making an incision along the front of your neck, the surgeon opens the affected carotid artery and removes the plaques. The artery is repaired with either stitches or a graft.
Where is the Caratred artery located?
The carotid arteries are a pair of blood vessels located on both sides of your neck that deliver blood to your brain and head. Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits (plaques) clog the blood vessels that deliver blood to your brain and head (carotid arteries).
What is atherosclerosis of both carotid arteries?
Atherosclerosis causes most carotid artery disease. In this condition, fatty deposits build up along the inner layer of the arteries forming plaque. The thickening narrows the arteries and decreases blood flow or completely blocks the flow of blood to the brain.
Can carotid arteries be bypassed?
In summary, carotid artery bypass grafting is a safe and durable alternative in situations when more traditional forms of reconstruction are deemed either hazardous or inadvisable. Although the long-term stroke risk was extremely low, vein bypass grafting was associated with a high incidence of early graft stenosis.
How long can you live with carotid artery disease?
Comparison of Carotid Endarterectomy and Carotid Artery Stenting
| Carotid Stenting | Carotid Endarterectomy | |
|---|---|---|
| Patients with Stroke or TIA | When Carotid Endarterectomy is “high risk” | All other patients |
| Asymptomatic Patients | Currently not recommended outside of clinical trials | Good surgical risk, life expectancy 3-5 years minimum |
What causes hardening of the arteries in the neck?
When these arteries become narrowed, it’s called carotid artery disease. It may also be called carotid artery stenosis. The narrowing is caused by atherosclerosis. This is the buildup of fatty substances, calcium, and other waste products inside the artery lining.
What is the most common cause of carotid artery disease?
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of carotid artery disease, although it is not clear what causes this build-up of plaque. This thickening narrows the arteries and can decrease blood flow or completely block the flow of blood to the brain. Risk factors associated with atherosclerosis include: Advanced age.
How serious is a carotid artery surgery?
CEA is considered a reasonably safe procedure that can greatly reduce the risk of stroke if you have carotid artery disease. The procedure does carry a small risk of stroke, nerve damage, or even death. Other diseases like heart disease or diabetes can also complicate any surgical procedure.
How serious is carotid artery surgery?
How long does it take to recover from carotid artery surgery?
You should be able to do most of your normal activities within 3 to 4 weeks. You may have a slight neck ache for about 2 weeks. You may start doing everyday activities as soon as you feel up to it. You may need help with meals, taking care of the house, and shopping at first.