ENDOVASCULAR SURGERY- carotid stenting with protection device
In 2004, a minimally invasive treatment for carotid atherosclerosis called carotid stenting received FDA approval. This procedure is performed by opening the artery by inflating a balloon catheter to press the plaque into the sides of the artery wall. Subsequently, a stent is then placed in the artery to cover the plaque and to keep the vessel open. A special filter (distal protection device) is used to capture any plaque fragments from migrating into the brain.
In deciding between surgery and stenting to treat carotid atherosclerosis, the degree of stenosis, anatomical variations, symptoms vs. no symptoms and the patient’s overall health condition is considered.
Neither carotid stenting nor surgery may be a good option for patients with no symptoms from their stenosis.
As with any surgery; results and outcomes of carotid stenting as a fairly new procedure directly depends on operator’s experience. Some say that a hundred is a good number.
