Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates

Thoracic Surgery & Vascular Surgery located in Pomona, NY & Goshen, NY

Carotid artery stenosis is a serious condition that increases your risk of stroke and often develops without causing symptoms. At Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates, the experienced vascular surgical team offers innovative treatments for carotid artery stenosis to improve blood flow and reduce your risk of stroke. The practice has offices in Washington Heights, Manhattan, in New York City; Pomona, Goshen, and Fishkill, New York; and Englewood, New Jersey. Call your nearest office today or book an appointment online.

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Carotid Artery Stenosis Q & A

What is carotid artery stenosis?

Carotid artery stenosis is when the arteries that supply blood to your brain, called the carotid arteries, become blocked or narrowed. 

Plaque buildup on the wall of the artery is the most common cause of the blockage or narrowing. The blockage increases your risk of having a stroke, one of the most common causes of death in the United States and a leading cause of disability.

The narrowing of your carotid artery happens slowly and develops without causing symptoms. For many, a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is the first sign of carotid artery stenosis. TIA causes a temporary decrease in blood supply to a part of the brain.

How is carotid artery stenosis diagnosed?

If you have carotid artery stenosis risk factors, the team at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates recommends a comprehensive exam to evaluate your carotid arteries and risk of disease. 

During your exam, your provider reviews your medical history and does a physical that focuses on the carotid arteries. To confirm or rule out carotid artery stenosis, your provider could request diagnostic tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

How is carotid artery stenosis treated?

The team at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates specializes in carotid artery surgery and are proud to share that they have one of the lowest rates of complications in New York State.

The surgical procedures offered include:

Carotid endarterectomy

According to clinical studies, the major benefit of carotid endarterectomy is stroke prevention. During carotid endarterectomy, your vascular surgeon removes plaque from the artery to prevent pieces from breaking away and traveling to the brain to block blood flow.

Carotid angioplasty and stenting

Carotid angioplasty and stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that treats your narrowed carotid artery. It’s a fairly new procedure and could prevent the need for carotid surgery.

Carotid artery stenosis is a serious health condition, but with care from the experts at  Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates, you can get treatments to reduce your risks. Call the office or request an appointment online today.

How are lower extremity circulation problems treated?

The team at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates takes an individualized approach to managing lower extremity circulation problems. 

In most cases, if your symptoms are mild and you’re not at risk of amputation, the team takes a conservative approach and recommends lifestyle changes, an exercise program, and/or medication.

If you have a limb-threatening circulatory disorder, the team takes a more aggressive approach aimed at preventing amputation. Some of the minimally invasive treatments offered include balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, stent placement, and thrombolysis.

For more complex cases, your vascular surgeon will recommend surgery like a bypass to prevent limb loss.

To schedule a consultation with the vascular surgical experts at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates, contact the office by phone or online today.