Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. In India, stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, yet public awareness about prevention remains alarmingly low. One of the key contributors to stroke is narrowing of the carotid arteries—major blood vessels that play a crucial role in supplying blood to the brain.

Understanding the Role of the Carotid Arteries

The carotid arteries are major blood vessels located on either side of the neck. Each artery supplies blood to one half of the brain, making healthy blood flow through these vessels essential for normal movement, speech, memory, and overall brain function.

With age, these arteries can gradually narrow near the neck due to the buildup of fatty plaques—a condition known as carotid artery stenosis. Over time, reduced blood flow can affect brain function. In some cases, small cholesterol deposits can dislodge and travel to the brain, blocking smaller blood vessels and triggering a stroke.

A Modern Treatment Without Open Surgery

Carotid artery narrowing, a major risk factor for stroke, can now be treated without open surgery through a minimally invasive procedure called Carotid Artery Stenting. This advanced technique restores proper blood flow to the brain, significantly lowering the risk of stroke. The entire procedure typically takes about one hour, and most patients are able to return home within one or two days. 

How Carotid Artery Stenting Works

The stenting process begins with a tiny entry point, usually in the wrist or groin. A thin catheter is carefully guided to the narrowed section of the carotid artery.

A small balloon is then used to gently widen the artery and smooth the cholesterol plaque. Once adequate space is created, a metallic stent is placed to keep the artery open. The stent also acts as a protective barrier, supporting continuous blood flow to the brain and stabilizing plaque, thereby reducing the chance of cholesterol fragments moving toward the brain.

Medicover Hospital is the  First Choice for Brain Emergencies

At Medicover Hospital , Secunderabad branch , stroke care is driven by preparedness, precision, and speed. The Rapid Stroke Response Team operates 24/7, ensuring immediate emergency response for suspected stroke patients.

Supported by advanced neuro-imaging, a dedicated Neuro-Cath Lab, and fully integrated emergency services, the team enables early detection and accurate stroke management—where time is critical.

Advanced Stroke Care & Recovery

Treatments such as clot-busting thrombolysis within the “Golden Hour” and advanced hybrid stroke interventions are delivered with utmost urgency and expertise.From the moment an emergency call is received, a multidisciplinary team ensures accurate diagnosis and timely intervention to deliver effective, life-saving treatment.

Dr D Srinivas  Rao, Senior Consultant Neurologist,  Specialist in Stroke & Neurointervention, Medicovar Hospital, Secunderabad.