Carotid stenting (kəˈrɑːtɪd ˈstɛntɪŋ) is a medical procedure used to treat carotid artery stenosis, a condition where the carotid arteries become narrow or blocked, causing a reduction in blood flow to the brain. The word "carotid" is pronounced kəˈrɑːtɪd and refers to the main arteries in the neck that supply oxygenated blood to the brain. "Stenting" is pronounced ˈstɛntɪŋ and refers to a wire mesh tube that is inserted into narrowed arteries to keep them open and improve blood flow. Thus, carotid stenting is a procedure that involves placing a stent in the carotid artery to prevent stroke.
Carotid stenting refers to a medical procedure that involves the placement of a stent in one or both of the carotid arteries. These arteries, located on both sides of the neck, are responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the brain. Carotid stenting is typically performed to address a condition known as carotid artery disease.
Carotid artery disease occurs when the carotid arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. This can significantly impede the blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of a stroke. Carotid stenting aims to restore proper blood flow by inserting a stent, which is a flexible cylindrical mesh tube, into the affected carotid artery.
During the procedure, a catheter is usually threaded through a small incision in the groin area and guided up to the carotid artery. Once in position, a balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to widen the narrowed section of the artery. Subsequently, a stent is inserted and expanded to keep the artery open. The stent acts as a scaffold, preventing the artery from collapsing and reducing the likelihood of a blockage reoccurring.
Carotid stenting is typically performed for patients who have a high risk of complications from carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure used to treat carotid artery disease. This minimally invasive alternative has been shown to effectively reduce the risk of stroke in certain individuals. However, like any medical procedure, carotid stenting carries its own set of risks, including injury to the artery, bleeding, or clot formation. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of each patient's condition is crucial before determining whether carotid stenting is an appropriate treatment option.
The word "carotid stenting" has a straightforward etymology.
1. Carotid: The term "carotid" comes from the Greek word "karōtides", plural of "karōtis", which means "sleeping flesh" or "heavy sleep". This term was used to refer to the carotid artery, which is located in the neck and supplies blood to the brain. The carotid artery is crucial for proper brain function, and any blockages or narrowing in this artery can lead to serious health issues.
2. Stenting: The word "stenting" is derived from the noun "stent", which originated from the Old English word "styntan", meaning "to make narrow or contract". In the medical field, a stent refers to a tiny wire mesh tube used to hold open narrowed or blocked blood vessels.