What are the risks of carotid artery stenting?

The major risks associated with carotid artery stenting are:

• Stroke.
• Heart attack.
• Bleeding at the catheter insertion site.
• Damage to the blood vessel at the catheter insertion site.
• Infection.
• Plaque buildup, which may redevelop as a late complication between 5 months and 13 years after surgery.
• Death.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS) are procedures performed to treat carotid artery disease in certain circumstances.

As with any surgical procedure, complications of surgeries for carotid artery disease can occur. Some possible complications of both carotid endarterectomy and carotid angioplasty with stenting may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• wound hematoma (pooling of blood into surrounding tissue causing swelling)
• cranial nerve deficits (problems with certain functions of the eyes, nose, tongue, and/or ears that are controlled by one or more of the 12 cranial nerves)
• intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding into the brain)
• seizures (bursts of abnormal electrical signals that temporarily interrupt normal electrical brain function) -- an uncommon complication
• repeated blockage of the carotid artery
• bleeding
• infection
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
• airway obstruction from swelling
• stent ingrowth (overgrowth of tissue where the stent is placed which may cause a blockage) in carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS) procedures

You may want to ask your physician about the amount of radiation used during the procedure and the risks related to your particular situation. It is a good idea to keep a record of your past history of radiation exposure, such as previous scans and other types of x-rays, so that you can inform your physician. Risks associated with radiation exposure may be related to the cumulative number of x-ray examinations and/or treatments over a long period of time.

There is a risk for allergic reaction to the dye used in a CAS procedure. Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dye, iodine, or latex should notify their physician. Also, patients with kidney failure or other kidney problems should notify their physician.

There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure.