
Identifying high-risk patients
Asymptomatic carotid artery disease is a serious concern, which is why treatment, as well as a focus on support, may require an extra level of care. The role of relevant departments in managing the patient’s affairs is true to work. While following the treatment plan for asymptomatic carotid artery disease, the risk level is the very first thing to judge about the patient. The risk level of high concern is further subdivided into several categories based on the severity of the risk:-
Clinical
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Stenosis
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Increasing Stenosis
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Plaque
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Embolic
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TCD
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Less Cerebrovascular Level
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Gender
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Age
Treatments for Blocked Carotid Artery
Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)
This is the standard treatment for carotid artery stenosis, and it has been refined over more than 50 years. A 4-6 inch long incision in the neck is made to expose and clean out the diseased carotid artery. Depending on the surgeon’s and the patient’s preferences, the procedure can be performed under general anesthesia or regional (block) anesthesia. A hospital stay of 24 to 48 hours is common. The post-operative pain is minimal, and patients can resume normal activities within a week. CEA can be performed by experienced surgeons with complication rates of 3-4 percent in symptomatic patients and 1-2 percent in asymptomatic patients.Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)
For more than 15 years, this procedure has been used to treat carotid stenosis. It was first used to treat patients who were thought to be at higher risk of carotid endarterectomy. CAS, like other endovascular surgeries, is performed under local anesthesia through a groin puncture. Patients typically stay in the hospital for 24 hours and are discharged within 48-72 hours. Complication rates for CAS are higher than those for CEA, ranging from 6-8 percent for symptomatic patients to 3-4 percent for asymptomatic patients. Complications following CAS are also more common in patients over the age of 70 and in those who have neurological symptoms. Because of this, CAS is only recommended in patients with symptoms of stroke or TIA when CEA is felt to be dangerous and is not recommended for asymptomatic patients. Currently, Medicare and most insurance companies will not pay for CAS in patients who are asymptomatic unless they are in a clinical trial. A comparison of CAS and CEA based on many clinical trials is presented in the table below. It is important to discuss specific complication rates, including stroke, death, myocardial infarction, and local site complications with the operator performing the procedure.Life Expectancy with Blocked Carotid Artery
Life expectancy with a blocked carotid artery is a possibility if the patient receives the appropriate treatment for asymptomatic carotid artery disease; it is not only about the ill’s plan with the assistance of a doctor and medical aid; it may also work by improving lifestyle. It is, therefore, preferable to adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain healthy and happy tones for a long time.Frequently Asked Questions
About 20% of strokes in the US are caused by carotid artery disease, which causes the arteries to narrow by more than 50%. It’s critical to recognize the severe carotid disease in order to spot dangers and take the necessary precautions.
The two primary treatment options for carotid artery stenosis are Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) and Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS). CEA involves surgically exposing and cleaning out the diseased carotid artery, while CAS is a less invasive procedure performed through a groin puncture. The choice of treatment depends on various factors and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Various factors play a role in assessing the severity and risks of asymptomatic carotid artery disease, including clinical features, degree of stenosis (narrowing of the artery), plaque formation, presence of embolic events, TCD (TransCranial Doppler) readings, cerebrovascular levels, gender, and age.
Both CEA and CAS procedures have their own set of risks and complications. Complication rates differ for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, as well as based on age and neurological symptoms. It is important to discuss specific complication rates, including stroke, death, myocardial infarction, and local site complications, with the healthcare professional performing the procedure.
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