About Carotid Angioplasty
Key Highlights
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Minimally Invasive: Performed through a small puncture, avoiding major neck surgery.Reduced Stroke Risk: Effectively restores blood flow to the brain to prevent future strokes.Shorter Hospital Stay: Typically requires only 1-2 days in the hospital.listrongFaster Recovery:/strong Patients can often return to normal activities more quickly than with open surgery./lilistrongLocal Anesthesia:/strong Usually performed while the patient is awake but sedated, reducing risks associated with general anesthesia./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (narrowing of 70% or more) in patients who have experienced a TIA (mini-stroke) or stroke.
- Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (narrowing of 80% or more) in patients considered high-risk for future stroke.
- Patients who are not good candidates for traditional carotid endarterectomy surgery due to anatomical factors or other medical conditions.
- Restenosis (re-narrowing) of a carotid artery after a previous endarterectomy.
- To manage blockages that are difficult to access surgically.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic tests, including a carotid ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRA to map the blockage.
- Review of all current medications; you may be asked to stop blood thinners like aspirin or clopidogrel a few days before.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure, typically after midnight.
- Blood tests to check kidney function and clotting ability.
- Discussion of allergies, especially to iodine (contrast dye) or medications.
- Arranging for someone to drive you home after discharge.
Risks & possible complications
- Stroke or TIA: The procedure itself can dislodge plaque, causing a stroke during or immediately after.
- Bleeding or Hematoma: At the catheter insertion site in the groin or arm.
- Allergic Reaction: To the contrast dye used during imaging.
- Restenosis: The artery may narrow again over time, though stents reduce this risk.
- Artery Damage: Rarely, the catheter can tear or dissect the artery wall.
- Kidney Issues: Contrast dye can affect kidney function, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
- Heart Arrhythmias: Temporary irregular heartbeats may occur during the procedure.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediately After: You will rest in bed for several hours with pressure on the puncture site to prevent bleeding. Vital signs and neurological checks are monitored closely.
- Hospital Discharge: Most patients go home in 1-2 days if there are no complications.
- Activity: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and driving for about a week. Walking is encouraged.
- Medication: Crucial to take prescribed antiplatelet medications (like aspirin and clopidogrel) to prevent blood clots on the stent.
- Follow-up: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your cardiologist, which will include a carotid ultrasound to check the stent.
- Lifestyle: Adopt heart-healthy habits: quit smoking, manage blood pressure and cholesterol, and eat a balanced diet.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering carotid angioplasty in South Korea, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in South Korea with cardiology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform carotid angioplasty. MediFyr helps you compare cardiologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for carotid angioplasty compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | USD 2,835 – USD 6,615 | 1-2 days | ~ 1-2 weeks | Know More |
| Thailand | USD 2,880 – USD 7,840 | 1-2 days | ~ 1-2 weeks | Know More |
| South Korea | USD 2,880 – USD 7,840 | 1-2 days | ~ 1-2 weeks | Know More |
| India | USD 1,637 – USD 3,819 | 1-2 days | ~ 1-2 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 12,093 – USD 28,216 | 1-2 days | ~ 1-2 weeks | Know More |
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