Transcervical extracorporeal reverse flow neuroprotection for reducing the risk of stroke during carotid artery stenting

The condition

The arteries supplying blood to the brain can become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits of substances such as cholesterol. This increases the risk of a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or 'mini-stroke'). Lowering a person's risk usually involves them stopping smoking and taking drugs to prevent blood clots forming and to reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Some people need surgery to unblock the artery or a procedure to insert a stent (tube) to keep the artery open. During the stent procedure fatty deposits can break away and block an artery to the brain, causing a stroke. The risk of this happening can be reduced, by using a filter to trap any deposits or by temporarily reversing the blood flow in the artery away from the brain.

NICE has looked at using transcervical extracorporeal reverse flow neuroprotection as another option.

NHS Choices and NICE's information for the public about stroke may be a good place to find out more.