Carotid Artery Stenting in Mohali: Procedure, Benefits, Cost & Recovery

Carotid Artery Stenting in Mohali: Procedure, Benefits, Cost & Recovery

The carotid arteries are two important blood vessels in your neck. They carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain. When these arteries become narrowed because of plaque buildup, the flow of blood to the brain can be affected.

Carotid artery narrowing does not always cause noticeable symptoms. However, significant blockage can increase the risk of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. This is why finding the problem early and discussing the appropriate treatment with a specialist is important.

For people looking for carotid artery stenting in Mohali, carotid stenting is one minimally invasive treatment that may be considered in selected patients. At IRFacilities, Shivalik Hospital, Sector 69, Mohali, Dr. Sandeep Sharma provides image-guided interventional procedures and can assess whether carotid artery stenting is appropriate for an individual patient.

What Is Carotid Artery Stenosis?

Carotid artery stenosis means narrowing of one or both carotid arteries. In many cases, the narrowing develops because of atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits and other materials gradually build up inside the artery.

A person may have carotid artery disease without knowing it. In other cases, a TIA or stroke may be the first warning sign.

Symptoms that can suggest a TIA or stroke include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, sudden vision problems, dizziness or loss of balance.

These symptoms require urgent medical attention, even if they disappear after a few minutes.

When Is Carotid Stenting Considered?

Carotid stenting is not automatically required whenever a carotid artery is narrowed.

The decision depends on several factors, including:

• How severe the narrowing is
• Whether the patient has experienced a TIA or stroke
• The location and characteristics of the blockage
• The patient's age and overall health
• Whether surgery would carry increased risk
• Other medical conditions the patient may have

The doctor may recommend tests such as Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography or MR angiography to understand the blood flow and extent of narrowing.

For this reason, anyone searching for a carotid artery blockage treatment in Mohali should have the condition properly evaluated before deciding on a particular procedure.

What Is Carotid Artery Stenting?

Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to improve blood flow through a narrowed carotid artery.

Instead of making a large incision in the neck, the doctor introduces a thin catheter through a small puncture, usually in an artery in the groin or wrist.

Using live X-ray imaging, the catheter is carefully guided to the narrowed section of the carotid artery.

A balloon may be used to widen the narrowed area, and a small metal mesh tube called a stent is placed inside the artery. The stent helps keep the artery open and supports the vessel wall.

A device may also be used during the procedure to help reduce the risk of plaque or debris travelling toward the brain.

How Does the Procedure Work?

While the exact technique depends on the patient's condition, carotid stenting generally involves several steps.

1. Evaluation and imaging

Before the procedure, your doctor reviews your symptoms, medical history and imaging reports. Additional tests may be required to determine the severity and location of the blockage.

2. Preparing the access site

The procedure is generally performed using local anesthesia. The skin around the access site is cleaned and numbed.

3. Catheter placement

A thin catheter is inserted through a small puncture in the wrist or groin and guided toward the carotid artery.

4. Stent placement

Under continuous X-ray guidance, the doctor positions the stent across the narrowed portion of the artery. Once expanded, the stent helps maintain the opening.

5. Observation and recovery

After the procedure, you will be monitored for a period of time. Depending on your health, the procedure and recovery, you may be able to go home after observation or may need a longer hospital stay.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding medicines, activity and follow-up.

Benefits of Carotid Artery Stenting

For appropriately selected patients, carotid stenting can offer several advantages.

The procedure is performed through a small puncture rather than a large surgical incision. It may therefore involve less disruption of the surrounding tissue and a shorter recovery compared with some open surgical procedures.

It can also be an alternative for certain patients who may have a higher risk with carotid endarterectomy, the traditional surgical treatment for carotid artery narrowing.

However, carotid stenting is not necessarily safer or more suitable for everyone. The choice between stenting, surgery and medical treatment should be made after considering the patient's individual risk factors.

Carotid Stenting Recovery

Recovery varies from person to person.

You may experience some soreness or bruising around the catheter insertion site. Your doctor will advise you when you can return to normal activities and whether you need to avoid strenuous exercise temporarily.

Medication to prevent blood clots, often antiplatelet medicine, may be prescribed before and after the procedure. It is important not to stop these medicines without speaking to your doctor.

Follow-up appointments are also important so that your doctor can monitor your condition and the treated artery.

Carotid Artery Stenting Cost in Mohali

The cost of carotid artery stent treatment in Mohali can vary depending on several factors.

These may include:

• The severity and location of the blockage
• The type of stent and other devices required
• Whether one or more arteries need treatment
• Imaging and diagnostic tests
• Hospital and procedure-related charges
• The patient's overall medical condition

Because the requirements are different for every patient, it is difficult to give one fixed price without reviewing the case first.

During your consultation, ask for a clear estimate that explains what is included in the procedure and hospital charges.

Choosing a Carotid Stenting Specialist in Mohali

When looking for a carotid stenting specialist in Mohali, experience with image-guided vascular procedures is an important consideration.

It is also worth asking whether the doctor will review your scans before recommending stenting and whether other treatment options have been considered.

A qualified carotid artery stenting doctor in Mohali should be able to explain why stenting is being recommended, what the potential risks are and what alternatives may be available.

Dr. Sandeep Sharma at IRFacilities

Dr. Sandeep Sharma, MD, DM – Interventional Neuroradiology, has more than 20 years of experience in interventional radiology and image-guided procedures.

At IRFacilities, vascular conditions are evaluated using appropriate imaging and clinical assessment before an interventional procedure is planned.

Carotid artery stenting is considered only when it is appropriate for the patient's individual condition. The procedure is performed using image guidance to help position the catheter and stent accurately.

IRFacilities is located at Shivalik Hospital, Sector 69, Mohali.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is carotid artery stenting painful?

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel significant pain during the treatment. You may notice pressure during catheter placement or some soreness around the puncture site afterward.

Is carotid stenting better than surgery?

Neither treatment is automatically better for every patient. Carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy have different advantages and risks. The appropriate option depends on factors such as age, symptoms, anatomy, severity of narrowing and overall health.

How long does carotid artery stenting take?

The procedure time varies depending on the complexity of the blockage and the patient's anatomy. Your doctor can give you a more specific estimate after reviewing your imaging.

Can carotid artery blockage be treated without a stent?

Yes. Depending on the severity of the narrowing and the patient's risk factors, treatment may involve medicines and lifestyle changes, while some patients may be considered for surgery or stenting.