A variety of surgical and medical treatment options are available for patients with carotid artery disease. In determining which approach is most appropriate for an individual, the doctor considers the extent of the disease, symptoms, age, medical history, medication tolerance, and patient preferences.

Lifestyle Changes

Individuals with carotid artery disease can empower themselves to improve their health and help minimize or prevent future symptoms by making changes to their lifestyle. The most important changes include the following:

  • Stop smoking. UH doctors recommend that patients with carotid artery disease stop smoking immediately. In support of that advice, UH offers smoking cessation classes for our patients. Nicotine chewing gum and skin patches may also be helpful.
  • Maintain a healthful diet.
  • Exercise regularly.

Medical Treatments

Often – and especially when in its early stages – carotid artery disease can be managed through a medical approach. The UH vascular medicine team may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

  • Antiplatelet medications: These medications help prevent the formation of clots by not allowing platelets to clump.
  • Modification of risk factors: UH vascular physicians recommend that patients speak to their primary care physicians about medications for maintaining healthy cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels.

Endovascular and Surgical Treatments

UH endovascular specialists and vascular surgeons stay on the leading edge of surgical procedures. Together, the doctor and patient discuss whether traditional open surgery or a less invasive endovascular procedure is the best treatment option. Surgical treatments include the following:

  • Carotid endarterectomy (CEA): During this procedure, a vascular surgeon opens the carotid artery to remove the plaque buildup, with the goal of restoring adequate blood flow to the brain and face.
  • Carotid angioplasty and stenting: Less invasive than endarterectomy, this endovascular procedure involves threading a balloon catheter – a small, hollow, flexible tube with a balloon near its end – from the groin to the carotid artery. Once it's close to the blockage (as determined through X-rays), the balloon is inflated to open the blocked vessel and restore proper blood flow. A stent, typically made of self-expanding, stainless-steel mesh, is placed at the site of the blockage to hold the artery open.