Carotid Artery Disease Treatment 

Mild to moderate blockages  in the  carotid artery are treated with medications called antiplatelet agents, such  as aspirin, that block the formation  of blood clots.  In addition, treatment involves identifying and reducing risk factors, such  as cigarette smoking  and high  blood pressure. 

Ultrasound studies are repeated over time  to monitor the blockage. 

Surgery 

If  your carotid artery disease progresses,  you may need surgery.
A number  of large studies  in the 1990s demonstrated that surgery — called  carotid endarterectomy — was  the best treatment for reducing  the risk of stroke  in patients with severe blockages  in the carotid arteries. Research continues, however, on new, less invasive procedures, such as carotid  artery stenting.

Carotid artery endarterectomy involves: 

• Opening  the artery
• Removing  the plaque that is causing  the narrowing 
• Closing  the artery, usually with a synthetic patch 

During surgery,  a temporary bypass  is often used  to allow blood  to flow around  the area of surgery as it travels  to the brain. 

Not all patients  are candidates for surgery, particularly those patients who are  in overall poor health  or have other health issues. 

Balloon Angioplasty  and Stents

Other new non-surgical options  to treat blockages  in the carotid arteries include balloon angioplasty  and stents. Both of these procedures use  a catheter-guided balloon, inflated in  the blocked area,  to open up  the carotid artery. 

A metal stent  may be inserted  to help keep the artery expanded. 

Currently, angioplasty  and stents are recommended only  for patients who aren't candidates for conventional surgery because  the risk of stroke during  the procedures  and the long-term results are still being studied