Brachiocephalic and Subclavian Artery Stent and Angioplasty

Brachiocephalic and Subclavian Artery Stent and Angioplasty in Thousand Oaks, CA

The brachiocephalic artery (BCA), which branches off the aortic arch, is located in the upper chest and supplies blood to the right arm, the head, and neck. Also branching off the aortic arch are two subclavian arteries (SAs) that lie below the collar bones (clavicles). The left subclavian artery supplies blood to the left arm while the right subclavian artery supplies blood to the right arm. Some arterial branches from the subclavian artery also usher blood to the head and chest.

When blood flow decreases due to one of these arteries becoming narrow or blocked, subclavian and brachiocephalic artery disease develops. This blockage, known as stenosis, is often caused by the buildup of plaque — fat, cholesterol, and other substances — and is also referred to as atherosclerosis.                                                                                                                                                                                                               

As a quintuple-board certified neurointerventionalist and stroke specialist, Dr. M. Asif Taqi is recognized as the leading neurointerventionalist in Southern California. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a condition requiring brachiocephalic or subclavian artery stent and angioplasty, Dr. Taqi recommends you reach out to see how he can help.

Contact his team today either online or by phone at (805) 242-4884  to arrange your consultation in Thousand Oaks, CA, or West Hills, CA.

What Causes of Brachiocephalic or Subclavian Artery Stenosis?

A history of smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, lower levels of ‘good’ (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and peripheral arterial disease all increase the risks of both brachiocephalic and subclavian artery narrowing or stenosis.

graphic of brain

What Are the Symptoms of Brachiocephalic and Subclavian Artery Stenosis?

How is Brachiocephalic & Subclavian Artery Stenosis Treated?

Endovascular treatments (angioplasty together with stenting) are recognized as minimally invasive procedures. These are commonly chosen for the treatment of stenosis of the brachiocephalic and subclavian arteries where blood vessels have become narrowed or blocked with plaque over time — a condition known as atherosclerosis.

In this endovascular procedure, Dr. Taqi inserts a small, flexible catheter into the femoral artery in the groin near one of the patient’s legs. He will then expertly guide this catheter along the connected blood vessels of the body up to the treatment site. Once the catheter has reached the area of the stenosis, Dr. Taqi can then proceed with the angioplasty and stent placement.

Using balloon angioplasty, he will open the blocked region of the artery by inflating the balloon so that it can re-open the blood vessel. Once the blood vessel has been opened by compressing the plaque against the vessel wall, Dr. Taqi will deflate the balloon. This leaves behind a mesh-like tube, known as a stent, to support the artery and keep it open as it heals. Because it stays in place permanently, the stent will keep the blood vessel open to allow blood to flow. Our team will then remove the catheter and close the small incision in the groin.

Recovery from Angioplasty and Stenting

Angioplasty and stenting approaches are advantageous for many groups of patients. For younger patients wanting the quickest recovery and fastest return to work, this minimally-invasive procedure allows them to resume most of their normal activities after about 72 hours. To protect the incision site, they should avoid lifting more than ten pounds in weight. Dr. Taqi will provide specific guidance as to when patients can resume normal activities.

Benefits of Angioplasty and Stenting

Treating blocked arteries with angioplasty and stenting can:

  • Save the patient’s life by restoring normal blood flow
  • Reduce the risk of stroke
  • Relieve or reduce symptoms of atherosclerosis

Angioplasty and stenting allow patients to recover more quickly than they would from more invasive surgery. This means less time spent in the hospital and being able to return to regular activities more quickly.

Risks of Angioplasty and Stenting

During your consultation with Dr. Taqi, you’ll discuss the risks of angioplasty and stenting, all of which he can help you manage. For example, a drug-eluting stent might be implanted rather than a bare metal variety. This would help prevent scar tissue from forming and the possibility of the artery-blocking again.

While your level of risk depends on your personal circumstances, it can also include:

  • Allergic reaction to the stent or other materials used in the procedure
  • An artery collapsing or closing again
  • The procedure may need to be aborted and alternative surgery performed if the blockages are too numerous and severe to treat with angioplasty and stenting adequately
  • Damage to the blood vessel carrying the catheter or to the inner lining of the artery
  • Scar tissue may grow within a stent (restenosis), requiring a repeat procedure
  • A blood clot may form inside the stent (stent thrombosis) requiring immediate medical attention
  • Side effects of medication

Taking Care of Your Stent

While Dr. Taqi will provide comprehensive instructions for taking care of the stent, it’s essential to keep in mind that the most significant risks can surface if patients do not take medications as prescribed.

For example, for a bare-metal stent, medications will need to be taken for at least a month to prevent blood clots from forming within the stent. Drug-eluting stents require medication to be taken for at least a year. With either type of stent, you may be required to take aspirin for the rest of your life.

Dr. Taqi will advise you on all the potential risks and help you properly take care of your stent.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Taqi

If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with brachiocephalic or subclavian artery disease, please do not hesitate to seek treatment from Southern California’s leading stroke prevention specialist and experienced neurointerventionalist, Dr. M. Asif Taqi. Contact him or call (805) 242-4884 to schedule your appointment today.