The two carotid arteries on either side of the neck are peripheral arteries that carry blood to the head and neck. When these arteries become blocked by plaque (atherosclerosis), blood flow is diminished and the person is at a risk of heart attack or stroke. When a patient comes to the Bergen County vascular surgeon with peripheral artery disease in which the carotid arteries have become blocked, hardened, and narrowed from the accumulation of plaque, a technique called angioplasty and stenting may be used to treat them. During the procedure, the carotid artery is first ballooned to open the blockage and then a stent is placed to add strength to the artery and help keep it open. In addition, this procedure is done with a protective basket placed beyond the blockage to catch any loose debris before it reaches the brain and causes a stroke.
Carotid artery stenting is a less invasive treatment for peripheral artery disease than carotid endarterectomy, however it is typically reserved for certain clinical situations. Depending on the patient’s condition, the vascular specialist Hackensack will determine if it is the appropriate treatment for the individual. Moreover, the doctors at Bergen surgical specialists are the only vascular surgeons in New Jersey involved in a major FDA approved multi center clinical trial for carotid stenting.
Bergen Surgical Specialists represents some of the best vascular surgeons in Hackensack. We evaluate each patient’s condition to determine if they meet the essential criteria for this procedure. When performed by a vascular specialist, carotid artery stenting can effectively restore blood flow, prevent the area of the artery from collapsing or closing off in the future, and prevent pieces of plaque from breaking free, putting the patient at risk of stroke.To see if you are a good candidate, schedule your evaluation with Bergen Surgical Specialists and put your vascular health into the hands of some of the best vascular doctors in Hackensack.