Arterial Diseases
Carotid Stenosis
Medical Emergency
In case of a medical emergency, call 112 (the European emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency department.
Written byTriantafyllos Giannakopoulos MD, PhD, FEBVS, FACSMedically reviewed: 27 July 2026
A silent threat affecting the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Plaque buildup can lead to stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital.
Brain and Blood
Arterial Supply to the Brain
The brain is an organ very sensitive to reduced arterial supply, which is why it is irrigated by 4 arteries: 2 carotid arteries in the front of the neck and 2 vertebral arteries in the back, which complement each other.
Front of the Neck
2 Carotid arteries carrying oxygenated blood to the brain
Back of the Neck
2 Vertebral arteries complementing brain perfusion
Blood Flow to the Brain Cross-Section
Atherosclerotic Disease
Atherosclerotic Disease and the Brain
When atherosclerotic disease affects the arteries supplying blood to the brain, it causes stenoses which, when exceeding a critical percentage, can produce small blood clots (microthrombi) that travel with the circulation, lodge in the brain, block branches, and cause strokes.
The arteries most susceptible to this phenomenon are the internal carotid arteries (on the front surface of the neck) due to their anatomy forming a bifurcation and turbulent blood flow, favoring the development of atheromas.
Stroke Risk
Microthrombi can cause strokes. Early detection and treatment of carotid stenosis is vital for preventing serious complications.
Illustration of a branching artery
Treatment Options
Treatment of carotid stenosis
When carotid stenosis has caused a stroke and/or has exceeded a critical degree of stenosis, treatment should be recommended and both medication (adding drugs that reduce the blood's ability to form clots) and predisposing factors (smoking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension) should be modified.
Classic Procedure
Carotid endarterectomy: surgical removal of atherosclerotic plaque from the carotid artery. Proven effectiveness.
Carotid Plaque Treatment Illustration
Endovascular Repair: Stent
Minimally invasive method with angioplasty and stent placement under filter protection.
EVAR Carotid Illustration
Depending on the findings of preoperative imaging as well as the presentation and overall condition of the patient, carotid stenosis is managed at our Clinic either with classic carotid endarterectomy or with minimally invasive endovascular repair with angioplasty and concomitant stent placement under filter protection.
Personalized Approach
Comprehensive management to reduce stroke risk
Medication
Drugs that reduce clot and thrombus formation
Risk Factor Modification
Smoking cessation, lipid and blood pressure control
Complication Prevention
Reducing stroke risk with comprehensive care
Need Specialized Treatment?
Early diagnosis and treatment of carotid stenosis is vital for stroke prevention. Contact us for a specialized evaluation.
Related Conditions
References
- Naylor R, Rantner B, et al. ESVS 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Atherosclerotic Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 65(1):7–111 (2023) — doi.org/10.1016/j.ejvs.2022.04.011
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In case of a medical emergency, call 112 (the European emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency department.