Always at the forefront of advanced treatments, physicians at INTEGRIS Heart Hospital are offering carotid stenting as a minimally invasive treatment option to help patients with carotid artery disease. Similar to coronary stenting (a stent is a tiny mesh tube), carotid stenting, which was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, helps keep blocked carotid arteries open. Carotid arteries are the large arteries on either side of the neck that supply blood to the brain. Like the blood vessels of the heart, carotid arteries can also develop atherosclerosis, a build-up of fatty deposits on the inside of arteries, commonly called plaque. Over time, the plaque narrows the artery, decreasing blood flow to the brain and potentially causing a stroke.
Under the direction of Dr. George Chrysant, the Carotid Stenting Program utilizes a multidisciplinary approach with experts in Interventional Radiology, Interventional Cardiology, Vascular Surgery and Neurology collaborating to develop treatment protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of carotid artery disease. Dr. Chrysant reports that the multidisciplinary approach supports the clinical decision making necessary in caring for the complex patient population frequently seen in carotid artery stenting procedures.
Many criteria are used to determine if a patient is a good candidate for carotid stenting. Currently, carotid artery stenting may be indicated for high-risk patients with atherosclerotic disease who are experiencing stroke symptoms but are not good candidates for carotid endarterectomy; patients without symptoms, but with severely narrowed carotid arteries (> 80%); or patients who have had a previous carotid artery surgery and are once again experiencing symptoms.
Referrals for consideration of carotid stenting should contact Dr. George Chyrsant or Dr. Santosh Prabhu at the Cardiovascular Clinic, 405.947.3341, to schedule an appointment.
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