Endovascular Carotid Endarterectomy / Stenting in India

In carotid artery stenting, a catheter is passed from the groin or wrist to the neck artery under X-ray guidance. A tiny filter or flow-reversal system protects the brain from plaque fragments, and a mesh stent is opened across the narrowing to hold it wide. A balloon may smooth the stent against the artery wall.

A related approach, transcarotid artery revascularisation (TCAR), places the stent through a small cut at the base of the neck while blood flow is temporarily reversed. These methods suit people for whom open surgery is riskier, but they require experienced interventional teams.

How this approach differs

Stenting avoids the neck cut and general anaesthesia used in endarterectomy, and nerve injury in the neck is rare. It relies on a stent and embolic protection rather than removing the plaque. Some studies show a higher small-stroke risk with stenting in older patients, so it is usually favoured for younger high-risk patients or difficult neck anatomy. It needs a skilled interventional team and close antiplatelet management.

• Carotid Endarterectomy / StentingStandard approach

Who needs endovascular carotid endarterectomy / stenting

• Significant carotid narrowing with high surgical risk due to heart or lung disease
• Previous neck surgery or radiation making open surgery difficult
• Narrowing high in the neck, hard to reach surgically
• Re-narrowing after previous endarterectomy

How it is done

1. Imaging confirms the narrowing and checks the arteries from the groin or wrist to the neck.
2. Antiplatelet medicines are started beforehand.
3. Under local anaesthetic, a sheath is placed in the groin or wrist artery.
4. A protection device is positioned to catch debris.
5. The stent is deployed across the narrowing and may be expanded with a balloon.
6. The protection device is removed and the access site is sealed.

Before you travel to India

• Carotid ultrasound, CT or MR angiography, and brain imaging
• Kidney function tests for contrast dye
• Heart assessment reports
• Medicine list; antiplatelet medicines are essential

Recovery and flying home

• Usually one to two nights in hospital
• Blood pressure and heart rate are monitored, as they can drop after stenting
• Puncture site care for some days
• You can usually fly after a few days once stable
• Dual antiplatelet medicine continues for a period, then usually one agent long term
• Ultrasound follow-up checks the stent

Risks

• Stroke from debris during the procedure
• Low blood pressure or slow heart rate after stenting
• Bleeding at the puncture site
• Stent re-narrowing over time
• Contrast reaction or kidney strain

Alternatives

• Open carotid endarterectomy
• TCAR where available
• Best medical therapy alone

Conditions treated

• Carotid Artery Stenosis

Hospitals in India for endovascular carotid endarterectomy / stenting

• Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
• BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
• Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences (Narayana Health City)Bengaluru
• Aster CMI HospitalBengaluru
• Fortis Escorts Heart InstituteDelhi NCR
• Rajagiri HospitalKochi
• Medway Heart Institute, Kodambakkam, ChennaiChennai
• Asian Heart Institute, MumbaiMumbai

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

• Dr Rajiv ParakhMedanta - The Medicity, Gurugram
• Dr Tarun GroverMedanta - The Medicity, Gurugram

Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices