Carotid Artery Surgery - Explination.

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My father went to the hospital Saturday w/ some numbing in his hand and foot. They kept him over night for observation.

Then checked him in on Sunday for more tests. We thought he was coming home but then one of the final test shows that both of his Carotid Arteries are blocked 75%+. So, they are going to have to unblock them today or tomorrow (We are assuming tomorrow because they still have him on blood thinners).

The doctors are assuming, even though it doesn't show up in the tests, that he had 1-2 Mini Strokes.

Anyone know what we can expect? How do we make sure we have the best of the best urgent handling his case?

I did google it and now do have a slightly better understanding of what is going on with my dad.

http://www.google.com/search?q=carotid+artery&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

My dad is going to be 61 in may and overall he has good health other than High Cholesterol (Genetics play a part). He hasn't had a cigarette since he got there and his Doctor prescribed him a PILL to help him quit. I think this has woken him up a little bit.

Thanks for any information or links you might have.

Bill

[dmann]

My dad just had it done (and has had 2 bypass operations plus a pacemaker installation). Not to minimize it, but it isn't too bad. He was in and out in two days and the recovery was pretty quick.

As you mentioned, blockages can occur due to genetics, not just poor diet. My dad had his first round of bypass surgery when he was in his late 40's. He will be 70 this year and I can't tell you how far these types of procedures have come.

The carotid procedure isn't that different from an angioplasty. They go in through the groin, snake a tube up to the blockage and either scrape it away or force inflate a balloon that displaces the blockage. The success rate seems to be very good.

At this point, my dad has had so many angiograms, two failed angioplasties and the surgeries that there is TONS of scar tissue in his groin so the insertion site is really more painful for him than it is for most.

My dad's was done with a twilight anastethic (sp) so he was somewhat aware of what was going on during the procedure. Your dad might have the same. He will probably recover in the cardiac ICU where they are WELL versed in follow up care for cardiac patients.

They'll tell him to avoid heavy lifting and he won't be able to drive for a few days but other than that I think you'll be pleasantly surprised as to how smooth the whole thing is. Much, much easier than bypass surgery.

Best wishes for a quick recovery and feel free to email me off the board if you have questions-
DM

[Spiff]

Ask to talk to the physician that will be doing the procedure. There are many ways to do this with varying outcomes. dmann told you one way. However, the more common way is to make an incision in the neck over the carotid, bypass it, tie it off, filet it open and remove the blockage, sew it up, take out the bypass and seal it all up.

That's a quick thumbnail sketch. No one here (unless they are a vascular surgeon) can really give you a good explanation of the risks and benefits of the procedure. Surgery is really a physician by physician case. Some are really good with low complications. Others you would not want your worst enemy to go to.

It all boils down to talking to the surgeon. Ask to talk to him and corner him in the room. Have your questions written out so you don't forget them (I can't tell you how many times I forget my questions at the time of discussion. Sheesh!). The surgeon may be annoyed, but it's the patient that counts. Make sure you feel comfortable with decisions before he leaves.

Good luck! I think he will do fine. (tu) Especially with the knowledge that there is no permanent damage seen on testing. -D