Carotid Disease

Mitigating the risk of stroke through advanced diagnostic imaging and the latest breakthrough surgical technology like TCAR.

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Carotid Disease

Mitigating the risk of stroke through advanced diagnostic imaging and the latest breakthrough surgical technology like TCAR.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Protecting Your Brain and Reducing Your Risk of Stroke

The carotid arteries are the major blood vessels in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up inside these arteries, causing narrowing or blockage that can reduce blood flow to the brain. This condition is one of the leading causes of stroke and often develops silently over many years.

At Vascular Surgeons of Houston, we specialize in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of carotid artery disease. Using advanced imaging and the latest minimally invasive and surgical techniques, our goal is to reduce your risk of stroke and help you maintain your long-term vascular health.

What Causes Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis, a process in which cholesterol, calcium, and inflammatory cells build up within the artery wall.

Risk factors include:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
Family history of vascular disease
Heart disease
Advanced age

Many patients with carotid artery disease also have plaque buildup in other arteries throughout the body, including the heart and legs.

Symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease

Many patients have no symptoms at all until significant narrowing has developed. In some cases, the first sign may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a "mini-stroke," or a stroke.

Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg

Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

Sudden vision loss in one eye

Dizziness or loss of balance

Facial drooping

Sudden confusion

These symptoms should always be treated as a medical emergency.

How Is Carotid Artery Disease Diagnosed?

Early detection is critical in preventing stroke.

Diagnostic testing may include the following:

Carotid Ultrasound

A non-invasive ultrasound examination that evaluates blood flow and measures the degree of narrowing within the carotid arteries.

CT Angiography (CTA)

Provides detailed images of the carotid arteries and surrounding structures.

Diagnostic Angiography

In select cases, a minimally invasive angiogram may be performed to better define anatomy and treatment options.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity of narrowing, symptoms, overall health, and individual stroke risk.

Medical Management

Many patients can be successfully managed with:

-Cholesterol-lowering medications

-Antiplatelet therapy (such as aspirin)

-Blood pressure control

-Diabetes management

-Smoking cessation

-Lifestyle modifications

Regular surveillance ultrasounds are often recommended to monitor disease progression.

Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)

Carotid endarterectomy is the gold standard surgical treatment for significant carotid artery narrowing. During the procedure, plaque is carefully removed from the artery to restore blood flow and reduce stroke risk.

CEA has an excellent long-term track record and remains one of the most effective stroke prevention procedures available.

Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR)

TCAR is an innovative minimally invasive procedure designed for select patients at increased surgical risk.

This advanced technique combines a small incision above the collarbone with flow-reversal technology that helps protect the brain during stent placement. TCAR offers many patients a shorter recovery and lower procedural risk while maintaining excellent outcomes.