Carotid Stenting Overview:
Carotid artery stent surgery is a minimally invasive treatment for carotid artery stenosis brought about by plaque accumulation in neck arteries that furnish blood to the brain. To ensure continuous blood flow, a metallic stent is inserted into the artery. This is recommended for patients who wish to avoid invasive operations, like those suffering from myocardial infarction, congestive cardiac failure, or severe pulmonary disease, or who had neck radiation recently. It increases blood circulation and reduces the chances of future stroke occurrences. Due to its effectiveness, carotid stenting stands out as an alternative to the more radical carotid endarterectomy, though it requires a proficient team for better outcomes.
Carotid artery stenting indications are evolving in conjunction with endarterectomy trials, which include symptomatic patients with stenosis ≥ 70%, asymptomatic patients with stenosis > 60%, symptomatic patients with 50–69% stenosis, carotid artery dissection or pseudoaneurysm, inability to tolerate general anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy (CEA), contralateral vocal cord injury history, past neck surgery on the ipsilateral side, and CEA restensosis.
Carotid Stents Types
Carotid stents are of two types:
- Balloon-Expandable Stents: compressed onto a balloon catheter, delivered to the blockage site. An inflatable balloon expands the stent and opens the artery.
- Self-Expanding Stents: pre-crimped onto the delivery catheter, compress automatically upon release. Expands to fit artery size.
Carotid Stenting Procedure, Recovery, and Post-Procedure Care
Preparation: The preparation of carotid stenting requires modifying medications, including blood thinners, aimed at reducing clot formations. Also, tests may include an ECG and blood tests. Specific, detailed directives on how to quit certain drugs as well as abstain from eating prior to the operation will be suggested by the doctor.Â
During the procedure: In the course of the procedure, a catheter is inserted into an artery via a small cut in the groin region with a filter basket added to catch plaque. A balloon is inflated to provide an opening where it is blocked later, followed by stent placement. The small cut is closed up after the catheter has been taken out.
After the procedure: The typical procedure of Carotid stenting involves a stay in the hospital of around 24 hours where changes in the patient’s condition are monitored, such as signs for a possible stroke or bleeding after the operation, and then offering post-operative instructions regarding how to recover from the procedure, including what drugs to take. The patient is then usually discharged from the hospital.
Carotid artery stent recovery: The carotid artery stenting recovery time differs from one person to another according to their age, state of health, and other comorbidities they may be suffering from. Average hospitalization lasts from one to two days, and restrictions on physical activity go on for several days to a week. Most people are able to return to their usual activities after about a week.
Post-procedure care: Post-Procedure Care for Carotid Artery Stenting Includes:
- Ensure the surgery area remains uncontaminated and rid of moisture.
- Notify the healthcare provider if you observe any indication of infection.
- Follow the doctor’s recommendations concerning dressing alterations and bandage application.
- At this time, be moderately within physical limits and combat strenuous endeavors altogether.
- With consultation from the doctor, increase exercise intensity progressively.
- Steer clear from lifting burdensome things until such a period is over.
- There is a need to pursue a diet regimen including less saturated fats, cholesterol, and sugar, additionally keeping it as much as possible without salt for a healthy heart.
- Make sure to go to all planned visits after surgery so that there are no complications later on.
- Control risk factors by means of medication, change in lifestyle, and doctor’s advice, such as hypertension, high cholesterol level, or diabetes mellitus.
|
Procedure Name
|
            Carotid Stenting
|
|
Type of Surgery
|
              Stenting
|
|
Type of Anesthesia
|
      Local anesthesia with sedation
|
|
Procedure Duration
|
          30 minutes to 2 hours
|
|
Recovery Duration
|
         Few days to few weeks
|
Benefits of Carotid StentingÂ
- A minimally invasive approach with a small incision.
- Shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery.
- Faster recovery time within a week.
- Reduced discomfort due to minimal invasiveness.
- Suitable for high-risk patients.
