Carotid Artery Stenting

Carotid artery stenosis is usually treated with carotid endarterectomy, an operation that allows the plaque to be physically removed from the artery. However, if someone has had previous surgery or radiation on the neck or has severe cardiac or pulmonary disease, or if the plaque is in a difficult place, surgery may not be feasible or safe. In these cases, endovascular CAS may be used. A stent is a hollow tube that covers the walls of a blood vessel but allows blood to flow through. 

A small filter basket is inserted past the diseased area to catch any plaque that might be broken off during the procedure to minimize the risk of stroke. Then a stent is placed through the area where the plaque is to open the artery. The filter that has any dislodged pieces of plaque is then removed.