Stents

[Tullymore]

I’m having a CAT scan on my Carotid arteries. Has anyone had stents or surgery on these.

[JSCAPM]

My partner had surgery two years ago to unblock a partially blocked carotid artery. His other carotid artery is completely blocked and that one was left as is.

He recently had a CABG and I know the surgeon asked for a second opinion on the carotid arteries before he performed the surgery.

Not sure if that’s been helpful but feel free to ask if you have a specific question.

[Tullymore in reply to JSCAPM]

Thanks for your reply, I’m just waiting on the C Scan results. Think you are right that they will only act if the blockage is severe. However I’m trying to avoid a stroke and this a main cause.

[JSCAPM in reply to Tullymore]

You’re right, the problem was diagnosed after my partner had a TIA. His partially blocked carotid artery was around 80% blocked, so I suppose that indicated he needed it clearing. He waited about three months for the surgery, which felt like a lifetime. Luckily he didn’t have a stroke while he was waiting.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

[Astronomyrules]

Hi, I first had my carotid arteries scanned many years ago now and like most of my arteries they were considerably furred up. However, I was told that they would not stent them unless I had a stroke. I don't know whether this is peculiar to me, ( I do also have a high degree of artery calcification), the consultant or hospitals in general, but maybe if they find some plaque they won't stent yours either unless they are blocked above a certain percentage. I believe it is a family routine operation, but I can't offer any further help I hope you get your answers soon.

[Tullymore in reply to Astronomyrules]

Thanks for your reply, can’t understand why they would wait til you had a Stroke. The procedure is to avoid Strokes by clearing the plaque. Would recommend a second opinion.

[Astronomyrules]

Thanks for replying. I too was rather puzzled, but accepted the reasoning as it was explained that the risk of stroke from the operation was too high. I've had so many other interventions, but now it seems there is a general reluctance to do further procedures for fear of causing more harm than good. I am considering requesting a second opinion on another deferred operation ( from just above the collar bone down to the groin) to bypass a blockage in my descending aorta as the vascular surgeon's now preferred option is limb amputation, if infection of my leg occurs, rather than the op, so I will ask about the stenting at the same time. Wishing you a good outcome for your procedure.