Panama City, Fla. -
Doctors can now treat blocked arteries in the neck with a less invasive procedure. A Panama City hospital is tracking the success of patients undergoing carotid stenting to improve medical care across the country.
Carotid stenting is a procedure in which doctors put a metal stint in the neck to open up the blockage. It requires only a small puncture hole in the groin or arm and a short hospital stay. Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Amir Haghighat says if blocked arteries are not treated, it can lead to stroke.
Dave Treace underwent the procedure, "They went in, put in a stent and instead of being in the hospital 5 or 6 days with a major surgery, I was out the next morning....It was great."
This procedure was FDA approved for all patients, not just high risk patients, in 2011. Bay Medical Center is now part of a registry called the CANOPY Registry. It follows patients after carotid stenting to assess the long term outcomes.
Dr. Haghighat says, "The benefit is huge. When the FDA approved carotid stenting for all patients, not just high risk, they stipulated that the company should find a way to track how do patients really do."
Bay Medical Center is one of about 200 sites across the U.S. picked to be a part of this registry. Patients will be followed closely after surgery, at one month, six months and annually for up to five years.
"A lot of patients enjoy knowing they'll be tracked in that fashion. They like being part of it, which will help benefit medical care across the country," explains Dr. Haghighat.
As for Treace, he feels better than ever.
"I feel fabulous. Blood is flowing to my brain," he says with a laugh.
Dr. Haghighat says carotid stents are not suitable for all patients. That's why it's important to check with your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
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