Repair of the Neck Arteries Performed in Baltimore at Mercy

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The Vascular Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, is a comprehensive center specializing in circulatory system disorders. Our vascular surgeons practice a variety of advanced treatment options, including repair of arteries in the neck.

Why is Neck Artery health important?

The arteries on both sides of the neck (carotid arteries) are vitally important arteries for feeding nourishing blood to the brain. These arteries, like all blood vessels, can become clogged with plaque (cholesterol material) which can restrict blood flow. If blood flow is limited, unfortunately the first sign is usually a stroke.

Types of Neck Artery procedures:

There are two primary treatment options for opening clogged carotid arteries:

  • Endarterectomy – An incision in the neck exposes the artery so the surgeon can then scrape the plaque out of it, enlarge the artery, then close the incision.
  • Carotid angioplasty – A catheter (a long, thin flexible tube) is inserted into the groin area and threaded into the narrowing in the neck artery. A filter is placed beyond the narrowed area to catch dislodged plaque. Once in place, a balloon on the catheter is expanded and a stent is inserted to open the narrowed passageway. The balloon is then deflated, and the catheter and filter are removed and the incision in the groin is stitched closed.

Who should receive a Neck Artery procedure?

Often the first signs of carotid artery blockage is a mini stroke (transient ischemic stroke or TIA) which is an early warning sign of a brain attack or stroke. People who have had TIAs are then sent to vascular surgeons who perform diagnostic tests to determine if blockages exist in the carotid arteries. 

When is Neck Artery Repair the best treatment?

If signs of carotid artery blockage become evident, a surgical procedure can prevent stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency which requires early action to minimize brain damage. Within minutes of a stroke, brain cells begin to die, so every moment is critical for a stroke victim.

Patients who may be experiencing signs of a stroke need immediate emergency attention and should call 911.

The Vascular Center at Mercy offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of circulatory system disorders including stroke and mini stroke, leg pain and swelling, blood clots in veins, aneurysms, varicose veins and circulatory disease.