A diagnosis of carotid artery disease can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Dallas vascular surgeon Dr. Russell Lam offers several treatment options.
Dr. Lam, who was named to the list of Texas Super Doctors in 2015 and voted one of the best doctors in Dallas by his peers in D Magazine, consults with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan and help reduce his or her risk of stroke.
How is Carotid Artery Disease Treated in Dallas?
A common treatment for carotid artery disease is carotid endarterectomy. During a carotid endarterectomy, Dr. Lam makes a small incision in the front of the neck. He then removes the plaque and repairs the artery with stitches, a natural graft made from a piece of another artery or with a woven patch. Once the procedure is complete, full blood flow is restored to the brain, significantly reducing the risk of stroke.
Dr. Lam recommends carotid endarterectomy for patients with severe blockages (more than 80%) or with moderate blockages (between 50-79%) with or without symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attacks (“mini strokes”). The procedure is highly effective and usually only requires a one night hospital stay.
Dr. Lam is an experienced, meticulous vascular surgeon who takes every precaution to decrease the incidence of complications. Like with most procedures, patients who undergo carotid endarterectomy may experience some mild numbness or discomfort at the incision site that usually improves within a few days after surgery.
What Happens Next?
After a carotid endarterectomy, patients will visit Dr. Lam at either his Dallas or Rockwall office for a follow-up appointment at least once a year. During this visit, patients will undergo a carotid artery ultrasound to ensure no new plaque has accumulated in the artery. Dr. Lam may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier diet or smoking cessation, to prevent the reaccumulation of plaque.
If a patient’s carotid artery disease is less advanced, Dr. Lam may suggest lifestyle changes and continued monitoring or a minimally invasive procedure known as endovascular repair or carotid artery stenting.
To discuss treatment options for carotid artery disease, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lam in Dallas by calling 214-345-4160 or click here to request an appointment online.
The information contained in this article is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice. Patient results will vary based on risk factors, age, disease and medical history and are not guaranteed in any way.
