CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE OVERVIEW

Stenosis

A stenosis is an abnormal narrowing in a blood vessel or other tubular organ or structure. The narrowing is caused by lesion that reduces the space of lumen.

Dissection

Aortic dissection most often happens because of a tear or damage to the inner wall of the aorta. This very often occurs in the chest (thoracic) part of the artery, but it may also occur in the abdominal aorta. When a tear occurs, it creates 2 channels: One in which blood continues to travel.

What is Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting?

Angioplasty and stenting is a procedure performed on a narrowing in blood vessel, designed to improve blood flow through that vessel. During the procedure, the Interventional Radiologist uses a small tube with a balloon at the tip to open the narrowing in the blood vessel. A tiny mesh tube called a stent is then placed into the artery to keep the narrowing open. This is considered a minimally invasive procedure because there is no large incision and usually does not require the need for general anesthesia.