Carotid artery stenting treats the narrowing of the carotid arteries, which can increase stroke risk. At Atrium Vascular Associates, board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon Dr. Sydney Wong explains your options clearly and guides personalized treatments.
Restore Healthy Blood Flow
to the Brain
Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive surgery used to treat significant narrowing of the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Through a small catheter, a metal mesh stent is placed to widen the artery and improve blood circulation. This helps reduce the risk of stroke in selected patients. The procedure is typically performed under imaging guidance and does not require open surgery. Recovery is often faster than with traditional surgical approaches.
Why Do You Need Carotid Artery Stenting?
Carotid artery stenting is used to treat significant narrowing of the carotid arteries caused by plaque buildup, which can increase your risk of stroke. When these arteries become narrowed, blood flow to the brain can be reduced, potentially leading to transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or stroke. Stenting helps reopen the artery and stabilize plaque, which helps lower the risk of strokes in select patients. You may need carotid artery stenting if:
- You have significant carotid artery narrowing on imaging
- You have experienced stroke symptoms or transient ischemic attacks
- You are considered high risk for open carotid surgery
- You have recurrent narrowing after prior treatment
- You have other medical conditions that limit surgical options
Why Choose Dr. Sydney Wong?
Dr. Sydney Wong is a board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon with extensive experience in both open and minimally invasive stroke-prevention procedures. He carefully evaluates whether carotid artery stenting is right for you based on your anatomy, symptoms, and overall health. Dr. Wong prioritizes clear communication, thoughtful decision-making, and precise surgical techniques to reduce risk and support long-term vascular health.
What to Expect During Carotid Artery Stenting?
Dr. Wong performs carotid artery stenting at a specialized hospital. You are typically awake but comfortably sedated. After numbing a small area in your groin or wrist, Dr. Wong inserts a thin catheter into the artery and carefully guides it to the narrowed carotid artery. A tiny filter device may be placed to protect your brain from debris. A balloon is then inflated to widen the artery, and a stent is positioned to keep it open. Most patients stay overnight for monitoring.
Benefits of Carotid Artery Stenting
Carotid artery stenting offers an effective treatment option for selected patients who may benefit from a less invasive approach to stroke prevention. Potential advantages include:
- Reduced stroke risk by improving blood flow to the brain
- Minimally invasive access without a large neck incision
- Shorter recovery time compared with open surgery
- Option for patients at higher risk for carotid endarterectomy
- Precise treatment guided by real-time imaging
Carotid Artery Stenting FAQs
How Does Carotid Artery Stenting Differ From Carotid Endarterectomy?
Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a catheter, while carotid endarterectomy is an open surgery that removes plaque directly from the artery through a neck incision. Both aim to reduce stroke risk, but they are suited to different patients.
What is Recovery Like After Carotid Artery Stenting?
Recovery is often faster than with open surgery. You are usually monitored overnight in the hospital and can return to light activities within a few days. Dr. Wong provides clear post-procedure instructions and closely monitors you to ensure proper healing.
Will I Still Need Medications After the Procedure?
Yes. Most patients require antiplatelet medications and ongoing risk-factor management after stenting. This includes managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for vascular disease. At Atrium Vascular Associates, care does not end after the procedure: Dr. Wong remains engaged in your long-term follow-up to address any concerns that may arise.
Schedule Your Consultation
Atrium Vascular Associates is dedicated to providing individualized, attentive vascular care led by Dr. Sydney Wong. Our clinic is conveniently located in Richmond Hill and serves patients throughout the Greater Toronto Area. If you have concerns about carotid artery disease or stroke risk, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wong today.
