Every year, more than 300,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with blockages, or plaques, in their carotid artery. If left untreated, these blockages can slow or even stop blood flow to the brain, causing a potentially disabling stroke, also known as a "brain attack."
Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) - Carotid angioplasty begins with a needle puncture into the femoral artery in the groin. A thin tube called a catheter is gently pushed into the artery and maneuvered up through the aorta into the narrowing in the carotid artery. An umbrella-shaped filter is placed beyond the narrowing to catch any dislodged plaque or debris. Once everything is in place, a balloon on the catheter is inflated, mashing the plaque into the artery wall and expanding a stent. The balloon is deflated; the catheter and filter are removed, leaving the stent in place to hold the artery open.
Cardiac Clinical Trials - Some hospitals are participating in cardiac clinical trials of new procedures that also help unblock the carotid artery.