What to Expect During & After Internal Carotid Angioplasty

The thought of a procedure involving an artery that supplies blood to your brain can feel overwhelming. Questions about what will happen during treatment, how long recovery will take, and what life will look like afterward are usually the first to come to mind. The first thing you should know is that internal carotid angioplasty and stenting is a common procedure that thousands of people get every year with great success. In fact, 98% of people who get this procedure for carotid artery stenosis have a successful outcome. 

Read on to gain a deeper understanding of this procedure, including how to prepare for it, what happens during surgery, what recovery typically looks like, and where to find the best vascular surgeon for carotid artery stenting in West Hills.  

When Is an Internal Carotid Angioplasty and Stent Necessary?

The internal carotid arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain. Over time, fatty deposits called plaque can build up inside these arteries and reduce the space available for blood flow. This condition, known as carotid artery stenosis, can increase the risk of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. 

Some people experience warning signs of a carotid artery stenosis, which are similar to symptoms of a stroke, like sudden weakness, numbness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking. Others have no symptoms at all and learn about the problem during testing for another condition. When the narrowing becomes severe or symptoms develop, treatment is recommended to restore blood flow and lower the risk of future stroke. This treatment includes internal carotid angioplasty and stenting, which is considered a gold-standard treatment for carotid artery stenosis and is also a great choice for patients who want or would benefit from a minimally invasive approach.

How to Prepare for Internal Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting

Preparation for this procedure begins before the day of the procedure. First, an accurate picture of your current health and stage of carotid artery stenosis is necessary. To get this, your care team will order imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, a CT angiogram, or a cerebral angiogram. These tests give a better understanding of the location and severity of the narrowing, while blood tests and a review of your medical history help ensure the procedure can be performed safely. 

You may be prescribed antiplatelet medications before treatment to reduce the risk of blood clots. And the best neurosurgeon for internal carotid angioplasty in West Hills will also provide instructions on eating, drinking, and taking medications before your procedure.

What Happens During Internal Carotid Angioplasty and Stent Placement?

Internal carotid angioplasty and stenting are performed in a specialized angiography suite using advanced imaging technology: 

• To start, most patients receive local anesthesia along with medication to help them relax
• A small catheter is then inserted through an artery in the groin or wrist, which is then carefully guided to the narrowed section of the carotid artery
• Once inside the carotid artery, a tiny balloon is then inflated to widen the artery and improve blood flow
• After the artery has been expanded, a stent is placed to help keep it open

Throughout the procedure, the medical team closely monitors blood flow and neurological function. When you choose the best endovascular specialists in West Hills who have the most advanced technology and use the latest techniques, this procedure is usually completed within a few hours.

What Is Recovery Like After Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting?

Most people spend at least one night in the hospital so healthcare professionals can monitor blood pressure, neurological status, and the catheter insertion site. Mild soreness, bruising, or tenderness near the insertion site is common during the first few days. As with any surgery, experiencing temporary fatigue as your body heals is also normal and expected. 

Walking is usually encouraged shortly after the procedure, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for a period of time. Recovery timelines vary depending on overall health and medical history, so it’s important to follow your surgeon’s guidelines and attend follow-ups to monitor your recovery progress.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of a Carotid Stent?

Every medical procedure carries some level of risk. Some of the potential complications of carotid angioplasty and stenting may include: 

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Artery injury or stroke

Serious complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced interventional neurologist in West Hills.

How Long Does a Carotid Stent Last?

Carotid stents are designed to remain in place permanently and support healthy blood flow for many years, but follow-up care is important for achieving the best long-term outcome. Periodic ultrasound imaging can be used to confirm that the artery remains open and functioning properly. Medications such as antiplatelet therapy are also used to continue to help reduce the risk of clot formation. At home, managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and tobacco use will protect the treated artery and support overall vascular health. 

Finding the Best Interventional Neurologists in West Hills for Internal Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting

Internal carotid angioplasty and stenting is a delicate procedure that requires precision and the highest level of expertise to ensure success. Choosing a neurological team that brings together a large network of endovascular surgeons, vascular specialists, and neurology experts who can develop a treatment plan focused on reducing stroke risk and protecting long-term brain health is the only way to feel confident you’re getting the best care possible.

Vascular and Neuroscience Institute does exactly this, with five convenient locations in Southern California. 

Ready to see the vascular surgeon for carotid artery stenting in West Hills for advanced care?