Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid arteries are the two main arteries in the neck which supply the brain. Stenosis in the internal carotid artery can potentially lead to a stroke. If you are found to have an internal carotid artery stenosis, your doctor will often refer you to a vascular surgeon such as Dr Vivienne Moult for an expert opinion. Asymptomatic (no symptoms) carotid artery stenosis if often treated with best medical therapy and in most cases surgery can be avoided. There are certain patient's who may be particularly high risk however who may still benefit from surgery to remove the blockage. Dr Vivienne Moult is able to assess and recommend the best management for you, and is able to perform carotid endarterectomy surgery if required for stroke prevention. Symptomatic carotid stenosis is when a patient suffers a TIA (transient ischaemic attack or mini-stroke) or stroke and a narrowing or significant plaque is found in the carotid artery, and is deemed responsible for the event. Carotid endarterectomy is well recognised to significantly benefit most patients following a stroke or TIA in terms of further stroke prevention. Dr Vivienne Moult works closely with the stroke physicians and neurologists and can offers carotid endarterectomy to appropriate patients. Carotid or vertebral artery dissections may occur spontaneously (without identifiable cause) or due to trauma. Management if often arranged in conjunction with a neurology and involves medical therapy and ongoing monitoring/ surveillance of the artery after recovery to ensure it does not become aneurysmal (enlarged). Carotid Body Tumours are a rare type of tumour which wraps around the carotid artery. Dr Vivienne Moult has experience in the workup and management of carotid body tumours and has worked along side one of the worlds best and most published surgeons during her fellowship.