Carotid Angiography & Stenting

What Is a Carotid Angiography?

Carotid angiography is an invasive, nonsurgical X-ray imaging procedure used to detect the presence of narrowing or blockage (atherosclerosis) in the carotid arteries. This procedure determines your risk for future strokes.
 

Why Is a Carotid Angiography Needed?

Based on the results of other tests, carotid angiography may be performed when carotid artery disease is suspected.
 

The Difference Between Carotid Angiography & Carotid Angioplasty/Stenting

Carotid angioplasty is a nonsurgical procedure performed after the diagnostic angiogram.

The carotid angioplasty procedure can be performed the same day as the diagnostic angiogram or days or weeks after the angiogram.

 

Description

During angioplasty, a balloon catheter is guided to the area of the blockage or narrowing. When the balloon is inflated, the fatty plaque or blockage is compressed against the artery walls to improve blood flow. A carotid stent is placed inside the carotid artery at the site of the blockage and provides support to keep the artery open.

For patients who meet certain eligibility criteria, carotid stenting offers a less invasive approach than carotid endarterectomy, the traditional surgical treatment for carotid artery blockages.

Carotid stenting can be performed while the patient is awake, reducing recovery time.