Carotid Angiogram / Angioplasty in Vijayawada

Angioplasty and stenting is a type of procedure to improve the blood flow in an artery or vein. The carotid artery is a large artery running along each side of your neck.

Carotid angioplasty and stenting involves the carotid artery. During the procedure, doctors use a thin tube with a balloon at its tip to open up the artery.

The carotid arteries send oxygen-rich blood to your brain. A condition called carotid artery stenosis means that one or both of these arteries are narrowed. And, blood flow to the brain is reduced. This can lead to stroke. Carotid angioplasty and stenting can help reopen these arteries. It is a minimally invasive procedure and nonsurgical.

During the procedure, a thin flexible tube (catheter) is put into an artery in your groin. It will be gently threaded up into the problematic carotid artery in your neck. The catheter has a tiny deflated balloon at the tip. When it reaches the narrowed portion of your carotid, the balloon is inflated. This opens up the narrowed area. This is known as angioplasty.

A tiny mesh tube called a stent may be put into this area. It is left in place to help keep the artery open.

Why Carotid Angiogram / Angioplasty done?

Carotid angioplasty and stenting may be appropriate stroke treatments or stroke-prevention options if:

• You have a carotid artery with a blockage of 70% or more, especially if you've had a stroke or stroke symptoms, and you aren't in good enough health to undergo surgery — for example, if you have severe heart or lung disease or had radiation for neck tumors.
• You have already had a carotid endarterectomy and are experiencing new narrowing after surgery (restenosis).
• The location of the narrowing (stenosis) is difficult to access with endarterectomy.

In some cases, carotid endarterectomy may be a better choice than angioplasty and stenting to remove the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) clogging the artery. You and your doctor will discuss which procedure is safest for you.