Surgery trumps angioplasty for clearing blocked arteries to the brain, from the Harvard Heart Letter
The brain depends on the carotid arteries in the neck to deliver a steady flow of oxygen-rich blood. If one or both of these arteries becomes clogged with cholesterol-filled plaque, choking off blood flow, a procedure to reopen the vessel may be needed. But which one?
The traditional approach is carotid endarterectomy, an operation to open the artery and clean it out. Doctors and medical device companies have hoped that a less invasive approach called angioplasty—opening the blocked artery with a balloon and then propping it open with a stent—would rival endarterectomy. But that hasn't come to pass, reports the June issue of the Harvard Heart Letter.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.