Carotid artery stenosis is one of the diseases affecting the neck, and its occurrence may be attributed to various causes, such as atherosclerosis and fat accumulation. This condition affects the neck area and can lead to serious health complications. So, what is carotid artery stenosis? And what are the methods of treating carotid artery stenosis in the neck with stents? Who is the best vascular surgeon in Egypt?
The carotid arteries are the blood vessels located on the sides of the neck, and their main function is to supply blood to the brain and head.
The first step in treating carotid artery stenosis is to identify the causes and factors leading to the occlusion of the carotid artery. Carotid artery stenosis occurs for several reasons:
– Accumulation of fatty deposits on the walls of the carotid arteries, which carry blood to the brain. This fatty buildup has many complications, the most dangerous of which is the increased risk of stroke due to the impaired blood flow to brain cells.
– Severe complications can occur, including the death of brain cells due to the lack of proper and natural oxygen supply. The danger of carotid artery stenosis lies in its slow progression, until the first symptoms of this disease occur, medically known as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which involve temporary reduced blood flow to the brain.
These complications result from various factors that contribute to the development and exacerbation of this condition.
High blood pressure: Individuals with high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing carotid artery occlusion.
Smoking: Nicotine is a substance that irritates the lining or inner wall of the arteries, increases heart rate, and leads to high blood pressure.
Diabetes: Diabetes reduces the processing of fats in the blood, leading to their accumulation on the walls of the arteries and blood vessels.
High levels of fats and cholesterol in the blood: These are major factors leading to artery hardening and blockage due to the accumulation of high levels of fats on the walls of the arteries and blood vessels.
Obesity: Excess weight and consumption of foods rich in fats and carbohydrates are major risks that increase triglyceride levels and their accumulation in the blood and on the walls of blood vessels.
Aging: Elderly individuals are more prone to carotid artery occlusion and its complications.
Lack of physical exercise: Engaging in physical activity and daily activities is essential for burning fat and reducing the risk of various diseases. Therefore, individuals who exercise regularly are less likely to develop carotid artery occlusion.
Genetic factors: The risk of carotid artery stenosis increases with a family history of the same disease.
Stroke is one of the most significant complications that may occur due to carotid artery occlusion. It involves damage to brain cells and muscle weakness, categorized as an emergency condition but occurring in no more than 20% of cases affected by carotid artery occlusion.
The patient may be at risk of stroke due to several factors, including:
Blood clot: Cerebral infarction occurs when plaques form on the walls of the carotid artery.
Ruptured plaques: Accumulated plaques may detach and flow into smaller arteries inside the brain, causing obstruction that results in the interruption of blood flow to a significant portion of brain cells.
Reduced blood flow: The narrowed carotid artery fails to deliver sufficient blood flow to the brain.
Signs of stroke include:
When a patient experiences symptoms of carotid artery stenosis, they should seek the expertise of the best vascular surgeon, Dr. Hossam El Mahdy, Professor of Vascular Surgery at Cairo University. Through clinical examination and undergoing medical tests and analyses, the vascular surgeon will identify the medical cause of carotid artery stenosis. The doctor also relies on vascular imaging using ultrasound to assess the extent of damage from carotid artery stenosis.
The treatment for carotid artery stenosis involves several steps:
Medical Treatment: There are medications available to treat blood clotting, which the doctor may prescribe to address symptoms of carotid artery stenosis. These medications are typically antiplatelet drugs that help thin the blood and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Lifestyle Changes: Patients are advised to make several lifestyle changes to manage carotid artery stenosis effectively. These changes may include:
Therapeutic Procedures: The goal of treating carotid artery occlusion is to restore normal blood flow to the head. In the past, surgical removal of the damaged part of the artery through a neck incision was the primary approach. However, advancements in catheterization techniques have enabled the use of stents for widening the carotid artery, providing better outcomes.
Carotid artery stenting involves inserting a catheter into the artery and passing it through the narrowed segment using a guide wire. A filter is placed beyond the site of occlusion to protect the brain from any dislodged clots during the procedure. Then, the blockage is opened using a balloon, and a stent is left in place to keep the artery open.
Treatment should be tailored to each patient’s specific condition and risk factors, and decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
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We would like to clarify to you, dear reader, that the treatment of carotid artery obstruction can be achieved with outstanding success through non-surgical and guaranteed steps with Dr. Hossam El Mahdy, the best in the field of vascular surgery.
