Summary: For many years, surgery was the standard treatment for patients who had fatty deposits in their carotid arteries, which are the main pathways for blood into the brain. However, more patients may now be looking at stents as less invasive alternative to surgery. In this Medically Speaking podcast, Sharon Boston talks about carotid stenting with Dr. Brajesh Lal, a vascular surgeon at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dr. Lal discusses the stenting procedure, including how it works, what the recovery is like and who can benefit from stenting. However, certain people may not be good candidates for stenting, and Dr. Lal explains how doctors and patients can decide which procedure may be best for each individual. Dr. Lal is also an associate professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
