Your circulatory system is majorly made of arteries, veins, capillaries, and other blood vessels. These blood vessels need to be clean and free from blockages to facilitate blood flow all over your body. According to research, there are arteries located on each side of your neck called carotid that supplies your brain with oxygenated blood. These arteries can be filled with fat preventing blood from flowing. When blood fails to flow, you can get carotid artery diseases, which can lead to a stroke. Evergreen Park carotid stenting specialists are the best you can visit for carotid artery disease treatment.
The Procedure Conducted by your Doctor During Carotid Stenting
Carotid stenting aims to improve the blood flow into your brain and open the clogged arteries. During treatment, your doctor locates the position of the carotid artery on either side of your neck. Since it is a surgical process, you can undergo general anesthesia to get you into a deep sleep. An incision is made where neck muscles and tissues are held together to expose the carotid artery. A cut is made, and a stent is placed to widen the artery. A stent is a wire-mesh tube that can let the blood flow through. However, an angioplasty that involves a tiny balloon can also be placed to widen the artery. After the stent is placed, the artery is closed to get blood flow back. Neck tissues and muscles are closed using tiny stitches.
However, despite the success of your surgery, some health risks can occur. Most of these risks revolve around the circulatory system. Studies show that the severity of the risks depends on your overall health. If you have been affected by a mini-stroke, diabetes, and other diseases, you are likely to suffer side effects after carotid stenting. Below are some risks that can occur.
The Primary Risks that can Occur after Carotid Stenting
Many side effects can arise after carotid artery surgery. They include:
- Blood clotting. Blood clotting is necessary when you have an external wound. The stent can interfere with your blood components leading to internal blood clotting.
- Breathing problems. According to specialists, activities like climbing, working, and exercising can bring shortness in breathing.
- Artery infections. Not every patient can be favored by carotid stenting. The stent and the balloon can cause blood infections. Infections can lead to blood clotting.
- Internal bleeding. Arteries are very fragile and soft components. Due to the blood pressure, the mesh can be squeezed, injuring the artery.
- High presence of a stroke. The stent can be clogged with fat after some time. Since the blockage will occur, you can get a severe stroke.
Carotid stenting helps many patients with carotid artery diseases live a stroke-free life. However, you need to go for check-ups to prevent fat from building in the stent. Vascular Specialists center is the best you can visit for carotid stenting. Visit them today and get a taste of their exceptional services.
