Carotid Artery Surgery

What is Carotid Artery Surgery?

Carotid artery surgery refers to medical procedures aimed at treating blockages or narrowing (stenosis) in the carotid arteries, which are the main blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. The goal is to reduce the risk of stroke, prevent brain damage, and improve overall cerebral circulation.

• Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA): A surgical procedure that removes plaque buildup in the carotid artery, improving blood flow and reducing stroke risk.
• Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS): A minimally invasive procedure where a stent is placed inside the artery to keep it open and allow better blood flow.

Who Needs Carotid Artery Surgery?

Carotid artery surgery is generally recommended for individuals who have:

• Significant narrowing or blockage in the carotid artery.
• A history of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or mini-strokes.
• A high risk of stroke due to factors like age, hypertension, smoking, or atherosclerosis.
• Severe carotid artery disease, which increases the chances of a stroke.

Symptoms Requiring Carotid Artery Surgery

The following symptoms may indicate a need for carotid artery surgery:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
• Pain or discomfort in the neck, often associated with carotid artery disease.

Types of Carotid Artery Surgery

1. Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA):
   • Purpose: To treat carotid artery stenosis by removing plaque buildup.
   • Procedure: A small incision is made in the neck to access the carotid artery. The plaque is carefully removed, and the artery is closed.
   • Advantages:
     • Highly effective for stroke prevention.
     • Long-term results in reducing stroke risk.
     • Offers a high success rate in experienced hands.
2. Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS):
   • Purpose: To treat carotid artery stenosis through a minimally invasive approach.
   • Procedure: A catheter is inserted into the artery via the groin, and a stent is placed to keep the artery open.
   • Advantages:
     • Less invasive than surgery.
     • Quicker recovery time.
     • Ideal for patients who cannot undergo traditional surgery.

Procedure Overview

For Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA):

• Preparation: Pre-surgical evaluation includes imaging studies like ultrasound or CT angiography. The patient may need to stop taking certain medications.
• During Surgery: The surgeon makes an incision in the neck and carefully removes plaque from the carotid artery. The artery is then closed, and blood flow is restored.
• Post-Surgery: Patients are monitored for complications like infection, bleeding, or changes in neurological function.

For Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS):

• Preparation: Patients undergo imaging and a pre-operative assessment. Medications may be prescribed to manage clotting risks.
• During Procedure: A catheter is inserted into the femoral artery, and a stent is placed in the carotid artery. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
• Post-Procedure: Patients are monitored in the recovery area for a short period. The risk of stroke is minimal, but follow-up is required to check stent placement and blood flow.

Advanced Surgical Techniques

• Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Offers more precision and smaller incisions for carotid endarterectomy, reducing recovery time.
• Angioplasty: Often combined with stenting in some cases to improve arterial function by ballooning the narrowed segment before stent placement.
• Nerve-Sparing Techniques: Surgeons use techniques to avoid damage to the nearby nerves, ensuring the patient has minimal risk of complications.

Post-Surgery Care

• Recovery: Most patients can return home within a day or two after surgery or stenting. Rest and gradual resumption of normal activities are recommended.
• Medications: Patients are often prescribed blood thinners to prevent clotting, along with pain management medications.
• Follow-Up: Regular follow-up visits to check for stent functionality or to ensure healing from surgery. Imaging and Doppler tests may be performed to assess blood flow.

Why Choose India for Carotid Artery Surgery?

• Advanced Surgical Facilities: India is home to world-class hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology and experienced surgeons specializing in carotid artery surgery.
• Affordable Cost: Compared to Western countries, the cost of carotid artery surgery in India is significantly lower without compromising on quality.
• Skilled Surgeons: India boasts highly skilled vascular and cardiovascular surgeons with extensive experience in treating carotid artery diseases.
• No Waiting Time: Quick access to treatment with minimal waiting periods.

Why Choose Healtour Solutions?

• Expert Care: We partner with leading hospitals and experienced surgeons specializing in carotid artery surgery in India.
• Comprehensive Services: End-to-end assistance with everything from medical consultation to travel arrangements and post-surgery care.
• Affordable Packages: Transparent pricing with no hidden charges, ensuring you get the best value for your treatment.
• 24/7 Support: Our dedicated team is always available to assist international patients throughout their journey.

Benefits of Carotid Artery Surgery

• Stroke Prevention: Significantly reduces the risk of a stroke or TIA.
• Improved Blood Flow: Restores proper blood flow to the brain, enhancing overall neurological health.
• Minimally Invasive Options: Carotid artery stenting offers a less invasive, quicker recovery alternative.
• Improved Quality of Life: Patients experience better cognitive function and reduced risk of future vascular complications.

FAQs

1. What is carotid artery surgery?
   • Carotid artery surgery treats blocked or narrowed carotid arteries to reduce the risk of stroke and improve cerebral blood flow.
2. What are the types of carotid artery surgery?
   • The two main types are Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) and Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS).
3. Is carotid artery surgery painful?
   • Carotid surgery is performed under anesthesia, so patients do not experience pain during the procedure. Post-surgery discomfort is manageable with medication.
4. What is the recovery time after carotid artery surgery?
   • Recovery time varies but generally takes 1-2 weeks for stenting and up to 4-6 weeks for endarterectomy.
5. Can carotid artery surgery prevent a stroke?
   • Yes, both procedures aim to prevent stroke by improving blood flow to the brain.
6. Is carotid artery stenting better than surgery?
   • Stenting is less invasive with a quicker recovery, while endarterectomy provides more long-term stroke prevention in certain cases.
7. What are the risks associated with carotid artery surgery?
   • Risks include infection, bleeding, stroke during the procedure, and nerve damage, though these are rare with advanced techniques.
8. How long does carotid artery surgery take?
   • Carotid endarterectomy typically takes 1-2 hours, while stenting takes about 30-60 minutes.
9. Will I need follow-up care?
   • Yes, follow-up care includes imaging tests and monitoring for any potential complications post-surgery.
10. Is carotid artery surgery covered by insurance?

• Many insurance providers cover carotid artery surgery. It's important to confirm coverage details with your provider before treatment.