Carotid Angioplasty

During carotid angioplasty (also called carotid artery stenting), a small, expandable tube called a stent is permanently inserted into the carotid artery. To insert the stent, the doctor uses another tube called a catheter. The doctor inserts the catheter into a large artery-most often the femoral artery in the…

Carotid Angioplasty

Carotid angioplasty procedure

During carotid angioplasty (also called carotid artery stenting), a small, expandable tube called a stent is permanently inserted into the carotid artery.

To insert the stent, the doctor uses another tube called a catheter. The doctor inserts the catheter into a large artery-most often the femoral artery in the groin-and threads it through other arteries to the carotid artery.

A very thin guide wire is inside the catheter. The guide wire is used to move a balloon and the stent into the carotid artery. The balloon is placed inside the stent and inflated. This opens the stent and pushes it into place against the artery wall. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place. After time, the cells lining the blood vessel will grow through and around the stent to help hold it in place.

Current as ofApril 9, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD – Cardiology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.