Carotid Angioplasty & Stenting
Blockages of the carotid artery to the brain can cause strokes or temporary “mini-strokes” (TIA’s). One method of treatment involves the placement of a stent into the carotid artery using small catheters which are inserted into a leg vessel through a skin puncture under X-ray guidance.
Typical Experience
- The procedure will be performed in the interventional suite while you are receiving sedation and opiate analgesia (“twilight anesthesia”). Most patients will not receive general anesthesia (no tube for breathing and no ventilator).
- After the procedure is over, you will be on bedrest for up to 6 hours. Most patients are discharged later the same day although this depends on your condition.
- As with any major procedure, minor or major complications are possible. Above is simply a brief description of a typical experience, and a full explanation of the procedure and its risks will be provided when you visit your doctor before the procedure.
How to Prepare
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before procedure, except for sips of water with your usual medications.
- Bring your medications and anything you need to stay overnight even if you will most likely be discharged the same day. It is very important to take your medications needed to safely perform the procedure (usually Aspirin and Plavix) as instructed.
- Please take your usual home medications unless you are told otherwise.
- Report to Jonsson Admitting (first floor of Jonsson building at the Baylor University Medical Center) in the morning at the time given to you by our office.
- Plan to have somebody else drive you home.
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Resources
For more details about this procedure and its possible risks, please schedule an appointment with one of our physicians at 214-827-1600. You may also refer to the following discussions: