Why it's done

Carotid angioplasty and stenting may be appropriate stroke treatments or stroke-prevention options if:

• You have a carotid artery with a blockage of 70% or more, especially if you've had a stroke or stroke symptoms, and you aren't in good enough health to undergo surgery — for example, if you have severe heart or lung disease or had radiation for neck tumors
• You have already had a carotid endarterectomy and are experiencing new narrowing after surgery (restenosis)
• The location of the narrowing (stenosis) is difficult to access with endarterectomy

In some cases, carotid endarterectomy may be a better choice than angioplasty and stenting to remove the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) clogging the artery. You and your doctor will discuss which procedure is safest for you.