Carotid Artery Stenosis: Symptoms, Treatments and Prevention Methods
January 24, 2023 — Carotid artery stenosis is a serious condition defined as the narrowing of the carotid arteries, which are located on either side of the neck. These arteries are especially critical because they supply blood to the brain. Patients with carotid artery stenosis face an elevated risk of stroke and other serious health issues. At EvergreenHealth, our providers specialize in endovascular neurosurgery and interventional neurology, providing skills and expertise not available at other organizations.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
EvergreenHealth providers can diagnose the degree of carotid stenosis through a comprehensive evaluation, which may include reviewing previous tests and/or ordering additional tests to ensure the right treatment is performed. Tests may include one or more of the following:
- Duplex sonogram of the neck
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scan of the neck
- CT angiography (CTa) scan of the neck
- Angiogram or arteriogram of the carotid arteries
If the tests reveal a stenosis of the carotid artery, our care team will connect with you to consider surgical treatment options.
If you present with a stroke or a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), we will assess the degree of carotid stenosis and provide a recommendation based on the severity of the occlusion.
EvergreenHealth's State-of-the-Art Treatment for Carotid Artery Stenosis
At the EvergreenHealth Neuroscience Institute, carotid artery stenosis treatment is a collaborative effort between neurologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons and interventionalists. If a surgical approach is the best option, we may recommend one of two procedures:
- Microsurgical carotid endarterectomy: During this procedure, we remove plaque from inside the carotid artery and re-establish uninterrupted blood flow to the brain.
- Endovascular angioplasty and stenting: During this procedure, the care team introduces a balloon into the inside of the carotid artery, displaces the plaque, and places a stent to reinforce the walls.
Top Certifications
Our EvergreenHealth Kirkland campus is certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, able to provide the highest level of care for even the most complex stroke cases quickly and effectively.
