Carotid artery disease is caused by a build-up of plaque that results in reduced blood flow through the carotid arteries. This can cause clots to form on the plaque and block blood flow to the brain. If a clot or plaque blocks the blood flow to the brain, it can cause an ischemic stroke, which can cause brain damage or death.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Angioplasty

As treatment for peripheral artery disease, angioplasty opens blocked or narrowed blood vessels by inserting a very small balloon into the vessel and inflating it. Angioplasty also is used to unblock clogged arteries in the legs or arms, kidneys, brain or elsewhere in the body.

Carotid Stenting

Another option to treat peripheral artery disease, stenting uses a small flexible tube made of plastic or wire mesh to hold open clogged blood vessels. Stenting also is used to treat a variety of other medical conditions through the opening of other pathways that have been narrowed or blocked by tumors or obstructions.