Stenting of Narrowed Arteries:

Narrowing of blood vessels of the brain and neck can result in stroke. In consultation with referring neurologists, internists and/or surgeons, stenting of narrowed arteries may be performed. Stenting of narrowed arteries requires an angiogram to be performed to determine the severity and location of the narrowing. Once the narrowing is located, a catheter is navigated from the artery at the groin to the site of narrowing. An angioplasty balloon is passed through the catheter and centered upon the site of the narrowing. The balloon is pressurized to stretch the arterial blood channel to its normal size. The balloon is removed and through the catheter a stent is advanced to the problem site and deployed. The stent holds the artery open so that it will not collapse back to the narrowed state. For a period of time after stenting, most patients require a blood thinner such as Plavix.