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Carotid Artery Stenting

Quick answer

The carotid arteries in your neck carry blood to your brain. When one narrows, a small balloon is threaded in and inflated to widen the clogged spot, and a tiny wire mesh tube called a stent is often left in place to hold the artery open permanently. The point is to lower your risk of stroke. It may suit you if the blockage is 70 percent or more, or if traditional surgery would be too much for you.

Carotid angioplasty and carotid artery stenting are endovascular procedures that open clogged arteries to restore blood flow to the brain. They’re often performed to treat or prevent stroke.
Carotid artery stenting illustration

What is a carotid angioplasty procedure?

A carotid angioplasty procedure involves the administration and inflation of a tiny balloon-like material within the congested area of the artery. By widening clogged arteries, a carotid angioplasty can help treat or prevent future stroke.

What is carotid artery stenting?

Stenting is the process of placing a stent. A stent is a tiny wire mesh tube made of medical-grade stainless steel or cobalt alloy metal. It props open an artery and is left there permanently. In the case of carotid artery stenting, a stent is deployed within the lumen of the carotid artery to treat narrowing of the carotid artery and decrease the risk of stroke.

Why is a carotid angioplasty performed?

Carotid angioplasty may be an optimal treatment for you if:

  • You are experiencing a blockage of 70% or more
  • You have had a stroke or have experienced symptoms of a stroke
  • Traditional surgery may be too extensive for you
  • You have received carotid surgery in the past and are experiencing new blockage
  • The location of the blockage is too difficult to access for an endarterectomy

What our patients say

Ready to Find Out What is Causing Your Vein Symptoms?

A venography remains one of the most effective ways to diagnose deep vein thrombosis, detect blood flow problems, and uncover other abnormalities that may not appear on routine tests. Still, this procedure may not be suitable for everyone, especially people who have kidney failure and other severe conditions. That is why it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking this test.

If you suspect you have any type of vein problem and want to know the cause, CACVI is here to help. Backed by more than 30 years of experience, our medical team is in the best position to accurately diagnose your condition and guide you toward the right treatment. Schedule a free consultation today.

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FAQs

Our expert medical team gathered the most common questions patients ask about venograms so you can understand exactly what to expect. If you don’t see your question here or want a more detailed explanation, you are welcome to book a free consultation to get personalized guidance for your situation.

What Are the Risks and Safety Considerations of Peripheral Venography?

Even though a peripheral venography is generally safe, there is a small risk of allergic reactions to the contrast dye. Some people may experience bruising, vein irritation, or mild discomfort at the injection site. In rare cases, kidney issues can also occur, especially in patients with existing kidney diseases.

How is Recovery After Peripheral Venography?

Recovery is usually quick, and most people can resume their normal activities shortly after the test. You may experience some mild soreness or bruising at the injection site but this typically goes away in a few days. It also helps to drink plenty of water because it helps your body flush out the contrast dye.

Why Would Someone Need a Venogram?

A venogram is ordered when doctors need a clearer view of your veins. It may also be used before surgeries or to guide treatments like thrombectomy. Essentially, it gives a detailed map of your veins to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Is a Venogram Painful?

Most people describe the procedure as mildly uncomfortable but not painful. You might feel brief pressure during the IV insertion and a warm sensation as the contrast dye moves through your vein. These feelings are temporary and pass quickly. The rest of the procedure is generally well-tolerated.

Are You Sedated for a Venogram?

Because the procedure is a quick and minimally invasive one, sedation is not necessary. However, your provider may use a local anesthetic to numb the injection area. Sedation is only used in special cases or if a patient has significant anxiety.

Is a Venogram a CT Scan?

No, a venogram is not a CT scan. It is an X-ray procedure that uses contrast dye to visualize your veins in real time. However, a CT venogram is a different type of test that uses CT imaging with contrast to assess veins in certain areas of the body.

Dr. Moinakhtar Lala and Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi of CACVI

Dr. M Lala, Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi and Dr. V Lala

Meet Your Specialists


The Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions (CACVI) is led by Dr. M Lala, Dr. Khorsandi, and Dr. V Lala, who have over thirty years of practice with over 15,000 vascular and cardiac procedures performed. Our physicians are determined to provide each patient with experienced, compassionate care as they work diligently to improve your health.

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