Cartoid Artery Problems
Ateries are the blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. The cartoid arteries are located in your neck and carry blood to your brain. Over time, the cartoid arteries can narrow, reducing the flow of blood to the brain, which can result in a stroke. Once a cartoid artery problem is diagnosed, several treatment options are available.

Diagnosis of Cartoid Artery ProblemsCartoid Artery
Your doctor will take a complete medical history, conduct a physical exam and perform a number of tests to confirm diagnosis and to measure the extent of the blockages. These tests may include:

  • Dopler and Duplex Tests--Dopler is listening for changes in the sound of blood flow. Duplex includes a Dopler test and uses sound waves to create an image for your doctor to view a blood vessel and any blood flowing through it.
  • Computed Tomography (CAT Scan)--Produces a series of cross-sectional x-rays of the head or body and may reveal other than cartoid artery problems that could explain your symptoms.
  • Standard Arteriography and Digital Subtraction Angiography--Dye is injected and a computer is used to create images that shows your doctor more clearly where a blockage may be.
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography--Pictures are taken as you lie on a padded table surrounded by a cylinder.

Indications for Surgery
If diagnostic tests show large blockages or extensive ulcers in the cartoid artery, your doctor may recommend surgery to reduce the chance of stroke.

Surgery for Cartoid Artery Problems
Cartoid endarterectomy is the most common surgical procedure for cartoid artery problems.

  • A short incision is made just below the level of the jaw. The cartoid artery is exposed and positioned for surgery.
  • To operate on the artery, the flow of blood may need to temporarily rerouted. A shunt is used on both sides of the blockage.
  • The artery is opened and the plaque carefully lifted off of the inner wall. The result is an artery through which blood flows easily.
  • The shunt is removed and the artery is stitched shut and the incision is closed.

Read more about Endovascular Surgery.

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