Carotid Artery Disease

What is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease happens when plaques build up in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain and head. If pieces of these plaques break free, it can cause a stroke. If a very tiny artery is blocked, it can cause temporary symptoms known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Symptoms

• Sudden numbness or tingling on one side of the face, arm or leg

• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body or face

• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes

• Trouble speaking, including slurring or losing the ability to speak  

Diagnosis

To confirm a diagnosis, physicians conduct a physical exam, which includes listening to the carotid artery in the neck, ultrasound to examine blood flow, CT or MRA to check for stroke, or CT angiography or MR angiography which use contrast dye to check blood flow in the carotid arteries.

Treatment Options

Carotid Endarterectomy Procedure

While the patient is under anesthesia, surgeons make an incision in the neck at the location of the blockage. A tube is inserted above and below the blockage to reroute blood flow. Surgeons can then open the carotid artery and remove the plaque. Once the artery is stitched closed, the tube is removed. The surgeon may also use an alternate technique that does not require blood flow to be rerouted. In this procedure, the surgeon stops the blood flow long enough to peel the blockage away from the artery. Endarterectomy surgery is a treatment that has been proven safe and effective in providing long-term patient benefits.