Carotid stenting is a minimally invasive procedure to clear the blockage in the carotid artery.

The carotid artery delivers blood and oxygen from the heart to the head and neck; blockage of this artery is called carotid stenosis.

Carotid stenting is often used in patients who are not eligible for carotid endarterectomy and who are considered high risk.

Procedure Details

In this procedure, your surgeon places a small tube in an artery in the groin. An umbrella-shaped filter is inserted through this tube and into the normal artery below the narrowed arteries.

With this protective device in place, an angioplasty balloon is used to open the area of carotid stenosis. Any debris that is dislodged by the balloon is captured by the filter.

A stent is then put into place in the artery to ensure that is stays open, and the filter device is carefully removed.