Chennai-based Endovascular & IR Specialist, Dr. Ravindran Ramalingam offers minimally invasive, scar-free treatments ensuring faster recovery and minimal pain.
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+91 8190 907 908

Endovascular &
IR Specialist

Center Address
- Gleneagles Health City, Perumbakkam, Chennai, TN
- Maruti Scans, Velachery, Chennai, TN

Dr. Ravindran Ramalingam is a Chennai-based Endovascular & Interventional Radiology (IR) Specialist with over a decade of experience, delivering minimally invasive, scar-free treatments for faster recovery, less pain, and shorter hospital stays.

Visiting Hours

Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
+91 8190 907 908
support@irdoctor.in
Book an Appointment

Carotid Artery Stenting

A Minimally Invasive Way to Reduce Stroke Risk by Opening a Narrowed Neck Artery 

The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain. When one of these arteries becomes narrowed by fatty deposits (plaque), the risk of stroke increases. 

Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that opens the narrowed artery and keeps it open with a small metal tube (stent)—often without open surgery. 

Had a TIA (mini-stroke), stroke, or found to have carotid narrowing on scan? 
Book a Carotid Artery Evaluation Today

What Is Carotid Artery Stenting?

  • Carotid Artery Stenting is a procedure in which: 

    • A small balloon is used to open a narrowed carotid artery, and 
    • A tiny metal mesh tube (stent) is placed to keep the artery open. 

    This helps: 

    • Improve blood flow to the brain 
    • Reduce the risk of future stroke 
    • Treat carotid artery disease without a big neck surgery in many patients
  • Minimally invasive
  • No large incision
  • Short hospital stay
  • Faster recovery than open surgery
Open the artery. Protect the brain. Reduce stroke risk.

Why Is Carotid Artery Stenting Done?

Carotid artery stenting is done when a person has significant narrowing (stenosis) of the carotid artery, especially if: 

  • They have had a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke) 
  • They have symptoms like weakness, speech problems, or vision loss related to carotid disease 
  • Scans show severe narrowing of the carotid artery 
  • They are high risk for open surgery (due to heart, lung, or other medical problems) 
  • The goal is to prevent a future stroke 

Main goals: 

  • Restore good blood flow to the brain 
  • Lower the chance of stroke 
  • Offer a less invasive option compared to surgery in suitable patients 
Don’t wait for a stroke—treat carotid narrowing early

How Is Carotid Artery Stenting Done?

The procedure is performed by a neuro-interventional radiologist in a cath lab using X-ray guidance. 

Step-by-step: 

  • You lie on the procedure table; local anesthesia (and sometimes light sedation) is given 
  • A small puncture is made in the groin or arm artery 
  • A thin tube (catheter) is guided to the carotid artery in the neck 
  • A special protection device is often placed to catch any small debris 
  • A balloon is inflated to open the narrowing 
  • A stent is placed to keep the artery open 
  • Blood flow is checked, and the catheter is removed 
  • A small dressing is applied at the puncture site 
  • Procedure time: Usually 60–90 minutes
  • Best results: Often 1–2 days
Precise, image-guided treatment from inside the artery

What Are the Risks?

Carotid artery stenting is generally safe in experienced centers. Possible risks with approximate incidence include: 

  • Bruising or bleeding at puncture site – common (5–10%) 
  • Temporary drop in heart rate or blood pressure – uncommon (5–10%) 
  • Stroke or TIA during or shortly after procedure – uncommon (2–5%, varies with patient risk) 
  • Allergic reaction to contrast dye – rare (<2%) 
  • Artery injury or dissection – rare (<1–2%) 
  • Re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis) over time – uncommon (5–10%) 
Your doctor carefully selects patients and uses protection devices to reduce these risks

What Are the Alternatives?

Your treatment options depend on: 

  • Your symptoms and stroke risk 
  • Overall health and medical conditions 
  • The degree of narrowing (plaque buildup) in the carotid artery 
  • Your personal preferences 

Your doctor will help you choose the safest and most effective approach. 

Alternative 1: Medical Treatment and Lifestyle Changes 

  • Focuses on medicines and healthy lifestyle habits to slow or stop plaque growth 
  • Includes: 
  • Blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering medicines 
  • Blood pressure and diabetes control 
  • Stopping smoking, healthy diet, and regular exercise 
  • Avoids any invasive procedure 
  • Limitation: may not be enough once the plaque becomes large or starts causing symptoms 
  • With this approach, the risk of a major stroke is about 1–2 in 100 per year 
  • This risk is higher if you have already had a stroke or warning symptoms (TIA) 

 

Alternative 2: Carotid Endarterectomy (Surgical Plaque Removal) 

  • A surgical procedure to remove plaque from the carotid artery 
  • Often recommended for symptomatic or severe narrowing 
  • Can reduce the risk of future stroke in suitable patients 
  • Compared to minimally invasive options, surgery: 
  • Leaves a scar on the neck 
  • Has a longer recovery period 
  • Carries a slightly higher risk of nerve injury or damage to nearby neck structures 
  • May have a slightly lower risk of stroke during the procedure in some patients who already have symptoms 

Choosing the Right Carotid Treatment 

Many patients today benefit from minimally invasive carotid artery stenting, which treats the narrowing from inside the artery with less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared to open surgery. A personalized evaluation helps select the best strategy to prevent stroke. 

📌 The best choice depends on how severe the narrowing is, your symptoms, and your overall health. 

A specialist can help you choose the safest and most effective option

What Happens After Your Procedure?

After carotid artery stenting: 

  • You’ll be monitored in the hospital for 1–2 days 
  • Blood pressure and neurological status are checked closely 
  • Mild soreness at the puncture site is common for 1–2 days 
  • Most patients return to normal activities within a few days 
  • You’ll need to take blood-thinning medicines as prescribed 
  • Follow-up scans are done to make sure the stent stays open 
Good follow-up keeps your brain protected

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Carotid Artery Stenting

Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to open a narrowed carotid artery in the neck and place a small metal stent to keep it open, helping reduce the risk of stroke. 

It is done to: 

  • Improve blood flow to the brain 
  • Reduce the risk of stroke 
  • Treat significant carotid artery narrowing, especially in patients at high risk for open surgery 

It may be recommended for people who: 

  • Have had a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke) 
  • Have severe carotid artery narrowing on scan 
  • Are not good candidates for open surgery 

 

No. It is a catheter-based, minimally invasive procedure, not open surgery. 

The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure but not pain. 

It usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. 

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days for observation. 

In properly selected patients, carotid stenting is highly successful in opening the artery and reducing stroke risk. 

Possible risks include bruising at the puncture site, changes in heart rate or blood pressure, stroke or TIA, artery injury, or re-narrowing of the artery. Serious complications are uncommon. 

Yes. In a small number of patients, the artery can narrow again over time (restenosis), which is why regular follow-up scans are important. 

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, depending on recovery. 

Yes. You will usually need blood-thinning medicines and medicines to control cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes. 

Carotid stenting is minimally invasive and done through a catheter. Carotid endarterectomy is open surgery to remove plaque from the artery. 

Yes. When done by experienced specialists, carotid stenting is safe and widely used with a low risk of serious complications. 

Yes. Carotid artery stenting is available in advanced cardiac, vascular, and neuro-interventional centers across India. 

Why Choose Mechanical Thrombectomy?

  • Minimally invasive
  • No big neck surgery
  • Faster recovery
  • Reduces stroke risk
  • Suitable for high-risk surgical patients
  • Proven, modern treatment option

Have Carotid Artery Narrowing or Stroke Symptoms?

If you’ve had a TIA, stroke, or been told you have carotid artery narrowing, early treatment can prevent a major stroke.

Carotid artery stenting offers a safe, effective, and less invasive way to protect your brain. 
Call / WhatsApp to Book Your Carotid Artery Consultation
Schedule Your Stroke Prevention Evaluation Today
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