Do you have a blocked artery in your neck? Let's learn about Carotid Artery Stenting, which prevents stroke.

Has your doctor told you that a major blood vessel in your neck is blocked and that you are at risk of having a stroke? It's normal to feel a little scared when you hear something like this. But don't worry. Today, medicine is very advanced. There are very effective treatments to cure such blockages and reduce the risk of stroke. Today we are talking about one such very effective and not very complicated treatment: the placement of a carotid stent.

Simply put, what is carotid stenting?

Okay, let's start by explaining it simply. We have two main blood vessels on either side of our neck that supply blood to our brain, face, and neck. These are what we call the Carotid Arteries . Over time, things like fats and cholesterol from the foods we eat start to build up on the walls of these arteries. We call this 'plaque' . It's like rust building up inside a water pipe.

This plaque builds up and narrows the passageway inside the artery, sometimes blocking it completely. This condition is called carotid artery stenosis . When this happens, blood flow to the brain is reduced, which is a major cause of stroke.

So, carotid stenting is a treatment that reopens a blocked artery. Here, the doctor inserts a stent , a small metal tube shaped like a mesh, into the blocked area and inflates it from the inside. The blocked artery then widens again, restoring blood flow. This stent is permanently placed inside the artery. It's like a prop against a wall that's about to collapse, helping the artery to stop narrowing again.

Who needs this treatment?

A doctor will usually recommend this treatment after examining your carotid artery for blockages. This may involve tests such as a carotid ultrasound , CT scan , or MRI . This treatment is often needed for:

• For those who have developed symptoms of a ministroke or stroke and whose artery is more than 50% blocked.
• For those who have no symptoms but whose artery is more than 70% blocked.

Your doctor will decide whether this treatment is appropriate for your condition, or whether a different surgery (Carotid Endarterectomy) is appropriate.

Preparing for and performing the treatment

Your doctor will likely start you on some blood-thinning medications a few days before your procedure, such as aspirin and clopidogrel .

How is the treatment performed?

This is done by a specialist doctor who has received special training for this purpose. You will be given medication to avoid pain during the treatment. There are several main methods for inserting the stent.

Your doctor will decide which method is best for you. The entire procedure takes about an hour or two. However, you will need to stay in the hospital for a day, as it will take several more hours for preparation and observation afterwards.

What happens after treatment?

After the treatment, the doctor will perform an angiogram to check if the stent is working properly and if blood flow has returned to normal. Then, the catheter and other devices will be removed and you will be given any painkillers and other instructions you may need.

The most important thing is that you will need to continue taking your blood-thinning medication (e.g., Aspirin, Clopidogrel) even after you go home. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. You will usually need to take this medication for several months.

Recovery time after going home

• Do not lift anything heavier than 20 pounds (like a bucket of water) for a week.
• Do not immerse the incision/piercing site in water (no baths, swimming pools) for a week after treatment. Swimming is okay.
• Be a little more careful when climbing stairs.
• Gradually get used to your normal routine within a week.

Benefits, risks, and long-term success of treatment

This treatment is less invasive than traditional open surgery, which has several advantages. The main ones are smaller incisions, reduced risk of damage to the nerves in the neck, and less pain after treatment.

Possible risks include bleeding, low/high blood pressure (Hypotension/Hypertension), slow heart rate (Bradycardia), blood clots, and very rarely, stroke. Your doctor will explain these risks to you in detail.

The important thing is that this treatment does not cure the underlying disease (atherosclerosis). It only removes the existing blockage. Therefore, it is essential to change your lifestyle to prevent the artery from becoming blocked again.

• Stop smoking and vaping completely.
• Take the medicine prescribed by the doctor on time.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Adopt a heart-healthy diet that is low in oil, salt, and sugar, and high in fruits and vegetables.
• Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol (LDL less than 70), and diabetes (HbA1c less than 7) well controlled.
• See the doctor at the scheduled time and get checked.

Emergency! What to do if you have these symptoms?

This is very important. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 1990 Ambulance Service immediately without delay or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

• Symptoms of a stroke: drooping on one side of the face, difficulty speaking or understanding words, loss of feeling or numbness in an arm or leg.
• If there is excessive bleeding or swelling at the site where the stent was inserted (groin, arm, or neck).

Sometimes the artery can become narrower due to tissue regrowth at the treated site. We call this 'restenosis' . That's why it's important to have regular ultrasounds.

Carotid Artery, Stent, Carotid Artery Stenting, Stroke, Blocked Vein, Heart Disease