Carotid Artery Disease
Expert diagnosis and treatment for carotid artery disease, with advanced options designed to restore healthy blood flow and reduce the risk of stroke.
What Is Carotid Artery Disease?
The carotid arteries are major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when these arteries become narrowed or blocked, often as a result of plaque buildup.
Because the carotid arteries play such an important role in supplying blood to the brain, significant narrowing or blockage can increase the risk of stroke. Our vascular specialists evaluate the condition and determine the most appropriate treatment based on each patient's needs.
Warning Signs
How We Treat Carotid Artery Disease
Treatment is tailored to the location and severity of the blockage, your overall health, and your individual risk factors. Our vascular specialists offer both traditional and minimally invasive options.
Carotid Endarterectomy⌄
Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove plaque that is blocking or narrowing a carotid artery. During the procedure, the surgeon accesses the affected artery through an incision in the neck and removes the plaque to restore blood flow.
Carotid Angioplasty & Stenting⌄
Carotid angioplasty and stenting can be used to open a narrowed carotid artery. A small balloon is temporarily inflated at the blockage to widen the artery, and a stent is placed to help keep the artery open and maintain blood flow.
TCAR⌄
Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) is a minimally invasive procedure for treating carotid artery blockages. Through a small incision at the base of the neck, a specialized system temporarily redirects blood flow away from the brain for protection while a stent is placed to open the narrowed artery.
The current MTV page notes that TCAR may be particularly beneficial for patients at higher risk for traditional open surgery and describes it as an option for both standard- and high-risk patients.
Your Questions, Answered
What is carotid artery disease?⌄
Carotid artery disease occurs when one or both of the major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain become narrowed or blocked. Plaque buildup within these arteries can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of stroke.
What are the warning signs of carotid artery disease?⌄
Symptoms can include sudden loss of vision, difficulty speaking clearly, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or difficulty controlling movement of the arms or legs. Sudden symptoms like these can be signs of a stroke and require emergency medical attention.
How is carotid artery disease treated?⌄
Treatment depends on the patient's condition and severity of the blockage. Options offered by Middle Tennessee Vascular include carotid endarterectomy, carotid angioplasty and stenting, and TCAR.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
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