Carotid Occlusive Disease

Comprehensive Vascular Care


To reduce your risk for a life-altering stroke due to carotid occlusive disease, the multidisciplinary team of specialists at Comprehensive Vascular Care offers comprehensive treatment services at their offices in Novi and Southfield, Michigan. The board-certified vascular surgeons have over 20 years of experience in advanced surgical techniques to treat the damaged artery and reduce your risk factors for stroke and other health complications. Learn more about the available diagnostic testing and treatment services available for carotid occlusive disease by calling the Comprehensive Vascular Care office nearest you or by booking an appointment online today.

Carotid Occlusive Disease Q & A

What is carotid occlusive disease?

Carotid occlusive disease, also known as carotid stenosis, is a condition that describes a blockage in one or both of your carotid arteries. These arteries sit on either side of your neck and make it possible for you to feel your pulse by pressing your fingers over the artery.

Above the pulse point, your carotid artery branches out into the internal and external carotid artery. These arteries provide oxygenated blood to the rest of your body from your heart. When plaque or other obstructions block these arteries, your brain doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to function.

A carotid occlusion occurs when there’s a complete blockage in your artery. When you have a partial blockage in the carotid artery, it’s known as carotid stenosis. Additionally, plaque can break off into smaller pieces and lodge into other blood vessels in your brain, which can cause a stroke.

Your risk for developing carotid occlusive disease increases due to:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure

You may also be more likely to develop carotid occlusive disease if you have a family history of the condition.


How is carotid occlusive disease diagnosed?

Carotid occlusive disease may not cause any symptoms until you experience a stroke. However, if you have any of the following underlying conditions, the Comprehensive Vascular Care team may recommend an evaluation of your carotid artery:

  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history of carotid occlusive disease

An evaluation involves listening to the flow of blood through your carotid artery. Blockages in the artery cause a distinct sound that your provider may hear through a stethoscope. If this sound is present, your provider may request a carotid duplex ultrasound or other imaging tests of your carotid artery to confirm or rule out the disease.


How is carotid occlusive disease treated?

Depending on the severity of the blockage in your carotid artery, your Comprehensive Vascular Care provider may start you on medication therapy to reduce your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol levels.

If you have diabetes, you may also need medications to get your blood sugar levels under control.

When medications aren’t enough to treat carotid occlusive disease, your provider determines if you’re a candidate for surgery. The surgical team has over 20 years of experience in performing open and endovascular surgery and uses the latest techniques to treat carotid occlusive disease.

Surgery involves placing a stent in your artery to ensure blood can flow freely. You may also need angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a balloon to widen your artery and improve blood circulation.

If you have risk factors for carotid occlusive disease, schedule a consultation at Comprehensive Vascular Care by calling the office nearest you or by requesting an appointment online today.