Interventional procedure overview of transfemoral carotid artery stent placement for asymptomatic extracranial carotid stenosis
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What the procedure involves
CAS is usually done under local anaesthetic. It involves passing a guidewire into the carotid artery. The common femoral artery is the usual access point. The carotid stenosis is then usually predilated using a balloon catheter. A metal mesh (stent) is inserted, which keeps the artery open to maintain blood flow and prevent restenosis and embolism.
Embolic protection devices are often used during the procedure to reduce the risk of procedural cerebral emboli.
CAS is a less invasive percutaneous alternative to CEA. Potential advantages include the avoidance of general anaesthesia and the need for a neck incision that may result in cranial and cutaneous nerve damage. The rate of surgical complications such as myocardial infarction may also be reduced.
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