Carotid Artery Stenting

Disease of the carotid arteries, which carry blood to the brain, is one of the potential causes of stroke. Carotid artery stenting is a less invasive way of treating significant narrowing in a carotid artery than open surgery. It can be done under local anaesthetic through a catheter (usually placed via a puncture in the groin). In most cases the patient can be discharged the following day.

The relationship of stenting to surgical treatment (endarterectomy) of carotid narrowings resembles that between coronary artery bypass grafting and coronary artery stenting. Most comparisons of the two techniques have suggested a better outcome from stenting in patients who have other medical problems that increase the risk of surgery. Recent trials have shown that major complication rates, such as significant stroke, heart attack or death occur with similar frequency in both techniques, but have suggested that minor strokes may be more common with stenting. In both techniques the skill and experience of the operator are hugely important.

Carotid stenting is done using a device (usually some sort of filter) to prevent debris dislodged during the stenting procedure from reaching the brain, and causing a stroke. Any such debris can thus be removed at the end of the procedure.

Carotid artery stenting can be performed at Mercy Angiography in the same facility that is used for coronary procedures.

Contact details for Mercy Angiography

Address: 98 Mountain Rd, Epsom, Auckland.
Phone: 09 630 1961
Facsimile: 09 630 1962
Email: admin@mercyangiography.co.nz
Website: Mercy Angiography