Carotid artery disease is a silent threat that can lead to devastating strokes if left untreated. Imagine the arteries in your neck—your carotid arteries—narrowing and blocking the vital blood flow to your brain. This is not just a medical condition; it’s a race against time. At the Vascular and Interventional Centre, we are committed to providing you with the most advanced and effective carotid artery disease treatment options tailored to your needs. Let’s dive into how we tackle this condition head-on.

Understanding Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up inside the carotid arteries, causing narrowing (stenosis) that restricts blood flow to the brain. This increases the risk of stroke, which can be life-altering or fatal. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.

Carotid Artery Disease Treatment: What Are Your Options?

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, symptoms, and overall health. Here’s a detailed look at the main approaches we use:

1. Lifestyle Modifications: The First Line of Defense

Small changes can make a huge difference! We encourage patients to:

• Quit smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, worsening artery narrowing.
• Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Low in saturated fats, rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Control blood sugar and blood pressure: Both factors damage artery walls.
• Exercise regularly: Helps maintain healthy weight and improves circulation.

These modifications slow disease progression and improve overall vascular health.

2. Medications: Managing Risk and Preventing Clots

Medications play a vital role in carotid artery disease treatment by reducing the risk of stroke:

• Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin): Prevent blood clots by stopping platelets from sticking together.
• Statins: Lower cholesterol and may reduce plaque size.
• Blood pressure medications: Control hypertension to reduce arterial damage.

In some cases, anticoagulants may be prescribed to further reduce clot risk, managed carefully through regular monitoring.

3. Surgical and Minimally Invasive Procedures: When Intervention Is Needed

If the artery narrowing is severe (typically 70% or more) or if symptoms like transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) occur, procedural treatment is often recommended.

Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)

This is the gold standard surgical treatment. Under anesthesia, a surgeon makes an incision in the neck, removes the plaque, and restores blood flow. It’s highly effective at preventing stroke in symptomatic patients.

Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)

A less invasive alternative to surgery, CAS involves threading a catheter through the groin to the carotid artery. A balloon inflates to open the artery, and a stent—a tiny metal mesh—is placed to keep it open permanently. This option suits patients who cannot undergo surgery.

TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR)

A newer, minimally invasive procedure that accesses the artery through a small incision above the collarbone. TCAR temporarily reverses blood flow to prevent debris from reaching the brain during stent placement, reducing stroke risk during the procedure.

Choosing the Right Treatment for You

The best carotid artery disease treatment depends on:

• Degree of artery narrowing
• Presence and severity of symptoms
• Patient’s age and overall health
• Risks associated with each procedure

Our specialists at the Vascular and Interventional Centre evaluate all these factors carefully to create a personalized treatment plan. We also emphasize ongoing medical follow-up and lifestyle management to ensure long-term success.

Why Act Now?

Stroke prevention is the ultimate goal of carotid artery disease treatment. With timely intervention, you can significantly reduce your risk of stroke and maintain a high quality of life. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—early treatment saves lives!