is it not important to have coradid arterys cleaned when one is 100 percent blocked and the other 45 to 60 percent blocked. and if it is an operation is not warrented, why not?
Answer-------
Logically, it would appear correct that if one carotid artery is 100% blocked and the other is 40-60% blocked, that carotid surgery is indicated. However, once an artery is already 100% blocked, for obvious reasons it cannot block any more and as a result there is no added risk on that side. Also, a 100% blocked artery tends to form "collateral arteries" (newly formed feeder arteries) which will automatically bypass this artery. A 40-60% blockage in the absence of minor "short lived strokes" (also known as TIA's) is not an indication for surgery because this degree of blockage usually does not reduce blood flow to the brain. On the other hand, a 70% or greater blockage can limit blood flow and is an indication for surgery.
I trust this answers your question. > -- >
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