Northside Hospital Offers Carotid Artery Stenting
for Stroke Prevention

St. Petersburg, FL -- (March 11, 2010) – Northside Hospital now offers carotid artery stenting (CAS) to our community through its Neuroscience Institute. CAS is performed as a minimally invasive alternative to the surgical removal of plaque in the walls of the carotid artery (carotid endarterectomy). This procedure can restore blood flow to the brain and prevent stroke. Carotid stenting is particularly important for patients with other serious conditions that may prevent them from having more traditional surgery.

The carotid arteries are located on either side of the neck, and supply blood and oxygen to the brain. A blockage or narrowing in one or both of these arteries can reduce blood flow to the brain and can cause a stroke.

Interventional Neuroradiologist Nasser Razack, M.D. says that this procedure restores consistent blood flow from the heart to the brain. “As an alternative to open surgery, CAS allows us to use a balloon and metallic stent to reopen the narrowed vessel,” said Dr. Razack. “It is as important to monitor and maintain blood flow and oxygen to your brain to prevent a stroke.”

“This procedure will further enhance the initiatives of our Neuroscience Institute, providing another service for our community to reduce the risk of stroke,” said Stephen J. Daugherty, President and CEO of Northside Hospital. “We are constantly looking for innovative opportunities to both treat and educate the community about stroke and its signs and symptoms. My hope is that we will see fewer and fewer cases of disabling strokes than we have in the past.”

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