Angioplasty and stenting of the carotid and vertebral arteries

Atherosclerosis is one of the most common diseases in Ukraine among the adult population. Cholesterol plaques are deposited in the vessels, disrupting their patency, leading to hypoxia of vital organs. So, for example, the clogging of the carotid and vertebral arteries with cholesterol deposits contributes to impaired blood circulation in the brain and can lead to the development of strokes in the future. The operation of angioplasty and stenting of the carotid arteries is the most advanced and effective method of treating the narrowing of the carotid vessels. The essence of the intervention is to restore the patency of the arterial bed using a stent - a special wireframe. The operation is minimally invasive, it is performed without incisions, only with the help of small punctures.

Causes and symptoms of the disease

It is impossible to name one single reason leading to an atherosclerotic restructuring of the vascular wall and cholesterol deposits. Usually, this is a multifactorial pathology that occurs against the background of an improper lifestyle, bad habits, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and a hereditary predisposition.

Clinical signs of atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries do not appear immediately, as a rule, vascular lesions are asymptomatic. Stroke is often the first symptom of this disease. The following manifestations can indicate chronic cerebral ischemia:

headache;
dizziness;
insomnia;
impaired concentration and memory;
noise in ears;
emotional changes (irritability, tearfulness);
weakness, fatigue.

If you find similar symptoms in yourself, it is worth being examined by a neurologist.

When is the operation performed?

The operation of angioplasty and stenting of the carotid arteries is indicated for:

the presence of a significant narrowing of the vascular lumen (more than 50%), accompanied by symptoms;
clinical signs of transient ischemic attack or stroke;
recurrent stenosis of the lumen of the carotid artery after endarterectomy.

These indicators are approximate, the final decision on the expediency of surgery is made by the doctor based on the general clinical picture.

Preparing for surgery

The process of preparing for stenting of the carotid arteries consists in consulting with a neurologist and related specialists, as well as undergoing several laboratory and instrumental examinations. It will be necessary to do a general and biochemical analysis of blood, urine, coagulogram, ECG, chest x-ray. To clarify the diagnosis, the specialist can also refer the patient for an ultrasound of the carotid arteries and transcranial Doppler, MRI, or CT of the brain and neck vessels. It is necessary to warn the doctor about all medications you are taking on an ongoing basis and any allergic reactions to anything. On the eve of the intervention, the patient has prescribed a course of drugs that prevent blood clots.

Who is the operation contraindicated for?

Angioplasty and stenting of the carotid arteries are contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:

acute infectious disease;
individual intolerance to contrast agents;

the presence of chronic disease in the acute stage;
violation of blood coagulation processes;

with a stroke within the previous 2 months;
total occlusion of the lumen of the carotid artery.

How is carotid artery surgery

The operation of angioplasty and stenting of the carotid arteries is performed under local anesthesia. A puncture is made in the area of the femoral or upper limb artery, into which a manipulator catheter with a balloon at the end is inserted. A contrast agent is injected into the vessel, with the help of which surgeons control the advancement of the catheter to the narrowed area. Having brought to the site of stenosis, the catheter with a balloon is inflated and the lumen of the artery expands. The restored vascular lumen is fixed with a stent - a mesh metal structure. After that, the catheter is removed, a pressure bandage is placed at the puncture site. The entire process of the operation is monitored using X-ray machines. The duration of the procedure usually does not exceed 90 minutes.

Recommendations after the intervention

The length of hospital stay after stenting on the carotid artery is determined by a specialist, depending on the individual characteristics of each clinical case. Usually, patients are discharged 2 days after the intervention. The doctor prescribes a set of drugs that will need to be taken. Heavy physical activity and baths and saunas are not recommended for several weeks. After discharge, you need to correct your lifestyle, normalize your diet, and give up bad habits.

Cost of stenting of carotid arteries in Kyiv

In the Dobrobut network of medical clinics in Kyiv, the best specialists in Ukraine will perform carotid artery stenting at the best price. The final cost of the operation is influenced by the complexity of measures taken before and after the intervention. You can find out the approximate cost of stenting on the website dobrobut.com.

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