Carotid Artery Stent Insertion

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Carotid (kah-ROT-id) artery (AHR-ter-e) stent insertion (in-SER-shun) is a procedure to widen a narrowed carotid artery by inserting a stent inside it. A stent is a small cylinder-shaped tube that widens a blood vessel and prevents it from becoming narrow again. The carotid artery is a large blood vessel found in your neck that carries blood and oxygen to your brain. The carotid artery may become narrow because plaque is clogging it up. Plaque is made up of fat and fibers, and causes narrowing when it is present in the walls inside of the artery. You may have a lot of plaque if it runs in your family or if you eat lots of fatty foods. When the carotid artery is narrowed or completely blocked, your brain may not get enough blood and oxygen. This may cause dizziness, weakness, loss of sensation, problems in thinking, and even loss of consciousness.
  
  
• During the procedure, a catheter (thin flexible tube) is inserted in a large blood vessel. The large blood vessel may be located in your arm or groin. The groin is the area where your abdomen (stomach) meets your upper leg. An x-ray may be used to carefully guide the catheter. When the catheter reaches the narrowed area, your caregiver will inflate (fill up) the small balloon at its tip. This will widen the area before placing a stent through the same catheter. With carotid artery stent insertion, normal blood flow may return to your brain and your symptoms may be relieved.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Aspirin to stop blood clots: Aspirin helps thin the blood to keep blood clots from forming. If caregivers tell you to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead. Do not take more or less aspirin than caregivers say to take.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, procedure, or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have trouble breathing or chest pain all of a sudden.
  
  
• There is bleeding, increased bruising, or swelling where the catheter was inserted.
  
  
• You suddenly have severe dizziness, weakness, loss of feeling, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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