Patients have a variety of lifesaving treatment options when the arteries supplying blood to the brain become narrowed and the risk of stroke rises.

When the carotid arteries—the blood vessels on either side of the neck that supply blood to the brain—become narrowed and clogged by plaque buildup along the arterial wall, the risk of ischemic stroke increases. If diagnosed early enough, however, clogged carotid arteries can be treated effectively with a variety of methods; which method depends on the severity of the blockage and the overall health of the patient.

Two recent studies are giving doctors and patients greater confidence as they weigh their options in treating carotid artery disease. Led by doctors at Cleveland Clinic, the Stenting and

When a procedure is needed to clear a clogged carotid artery, your doctor may recommend an endarterectomy, which involves opening the artery and removing the plaque causing the blockage (left). A less-invasive approach allows for the catheter-based placement of a balloon and stent in the artery to restore healthier blood flow (right).

Angioplasty with Protection in Patients at High Risk for Endarterectomy (SAPPHIRE) trial found that placing…

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