Preventing Stroke Without Major Surgery
Preventing Stroke Without Major Surgery
Angioplasty and Stents Are as Effective as Surgery, Says Study
Piccoli says patients who undergo angioplasty and stenting have relatively short recovery times. "With surgery you need three to four days, sometimes even a week of recovery in the hospital," he says. "But with carotid angioplasty and stenting, you can go home the day after the procedure."
Angioplasty and stenting to prevent stroke will become common, predicts Piccoli.
"Today, these procedures are largely used for the heart, but I think that in the future they will be used for every artery and every part of the body," says Piccoli in a news release.
That trend may have already started. In August, the FDA approved a stent for use in the carotid arteries.
Meanwhile, a trip to the operating room isn't the only way to prevent stroke. Diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyles can also make a difference, if time is on your side.
Time also counts if the worst case happens and stroke occurs. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Stroke medications -- used to dissolve a clot that blocks blood flow -- must be used within three hours to help minimize brain damage from a stroke.
Preventing Stroke Without Major Surgery
Angioplasty and Stents Are as Effective as Surgery, Says Study
Findings Match Earlier Stroke Research continued...
Piccoli says patients who undergo angioplasty and stenting have relatively short recovery times. "With surgery you need three to four days, sometimes even a week of recovery in the hospital," he says. "But with carotid angioplasty and stenting, you can go home the day after the procedure."
Angioplasty and stenting to prevent stroke will become common, predicts Piccoli.
"Today, these procedures are largely used for the heart, but I think that in the future they will be used for every artery and every part of the body," says Piccoli in a news release.
That trend may have already started. In August, the FDA approved a stent for use in the carotid arteries.
Meanwhile, a trip to the operating room isn't the only way to prevent stroke. Diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyles can also make a difference, if time is on your side.
Time also counts if the worst case happens and stroke occurs. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Stroke medications -- used to dissolve a clot that blocks blood flow -- must be used within three hours to help minimize brain damage from a stroke.