Carotid angioplasty with stenting is a non-surgical medical procedure, by which vascular surgeons "release" the occluded or severely restricted carotid arteries.
This dangerous pathological condition - which in medical language is defined as obstructive disease of the carotid arteries - is a possible consequence of atherosclerosis and may be the basis of episodes of ischemic stroke or TIA ( transient ischemic attack ).
WHEN YOU PREFER TO THE CAROTID ENDARTERIECTOMY
Carotid endarterectomy, a rather invasive but very effective surgical procedure with good results, is the preferred procedure for the treatment of obstructive carotid artery disease.
The choice to resort to carotid angioplasty with stenting, instead of carotid endarterectomy, occurs when the patient's state of health with a severe carotid occlusion does not match the conditions required for the practice of such a delicate surgical procedure.
WHEN IS IT CONTRAINDICATED?
Carotid angioplasty with stenting is contraindicated under certain circumstances, such as:
- Presence of a cardiac arrhythmia, or a pathological alteration of the normal rhythm with which the heart should beat.
- Allergy to one or more of the drugs used for the procedure. In addition to anesthetics, a contrast liquid is also injected into the carotid artery.
- A cerebral hemorrhage occurred in the last two months.
- Complete obstruction of the carotid artery.
- A life expectancy of less than two years.
