Vascular surgery to prevent stroke

According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the number 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.  

There are different types of strokes that can affect the brain, including: 

• Ischemic stroke: When the blood supply to the brain is blocked. 
• Hemorrhagic stroke: When there is bleeding in the brain. 
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Often referred to as a “mini stroke” and has the same cause as an ischemic stroke. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes. If you are living with a vascular condition that can cause complete or partial blockage in the arteries—such as carotid artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD)—there is an increased risk of the brain becoming deprived of oxygen during a stroke.

If you are diagnosed with CAD or PAD, there are treatment options available to you depending on the severity of the condition, whether symptoms are present and your overall health. Severe cases or cases with signs of progression may require surgery. Our vascular surgeons offer several surgical options. 

Carotid endarterectomy surgery removes the plaque from the arteries through an incision in the neck and leaves behind a smooth, wide-open artery. 

Angioplasty and stenting is a minimally invasive procedure usually performed with local anesthetic. The surgeon will make an incision in the groin, insert a catheter and guide it through the blood vessels to the carotid artery. Dye will be injected, and an x-ray image will be taken to show the location and details of the obstruction. The surgeon then inserts another catheter carrying a tiny balloon that is inflated and deflated, flattening the plaque against the walls. Finally, a tiny metal-mesh tube (stent) is placed in the artery to hold it open.  

TransCarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is a newer treatment approach. TCAR is a hybrid procedure that was developed to treat patients with carotid artery disease who are at risk for open surgery. 

The entire TCAR procedure is performed through a smaller incision in the neck and in less than half the time of a carotid endarterectomy – limiting the stress on the heart and significantly cutting the risk of the patient having a stroke or heart attack during the procedure. 

Each treatment option has its own benefits and risks. Prevea vascular surgeons work with each patient to determine the best treatment option for their situation. 

At Prevea, our experts in vascular surgery are dedicated to bringing you comprehensive and compassionate care to find solutions to your vascular condition. We offer vascular care services in Green Bay, Marinette, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan and Sturgeon Bay. Click here to find a vascular surgeon near you.