Carotid artery stenting is a procedure in which a tiny wire-mesh stent is inserted within the carotid arteries to allow oxygen-rich blood to flow to the face and brain.

The carotid arteries branch off from the aorta and travel up the neck into the cranium. They feed the face and brain with oxygen-rich blood. Like other arteries in the body, the carotid arteries are subject to the gradual build-up of plaque, a condition called atherosclerosis. The build-up of plaque within the carotid arteries increases the chance of a piece of plaque breaking off and becoming lodged in a smaller blood vessel in the brain, causing a stroke. To prevent this, physicians have several options, including surgery and carotid artery stenting.

A carotid artery stent is a tiny, metal mesh tube that is delivered on a catheter to be implanted in the carotid artery. It is designed to compress the plaque against the arterial wall and hold it in place.

Studies have shown that the procedure is safe and effective for patients who do not have symptoms, who have greater than 80 percent blockage of the carotid artery, and who are at high risk for surgery. Likewise, carotid artery stenting has been approved in high risk patients who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and have greater than 50 percent blockage of the carotid artery.