Carotid Artery Disease

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability in the United States each year. Over 3 million Americans are permanently disabled because of stroke.

One of the main causes of stroke is blockage in the carotid arteries – the main vessels that supply blood to the brain. Sudden but temporary weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech, blindness in one eye, or severe dizziness are all symptoms of carotid disease. These temporary neurologic symptoms (“mini strokes”) are called transient ischemic attack (TIA).

The Georgia Vascular Clinic (GVC) provides all the tools to diagnose and treat carotid artery disease. The practice’s accredited vascular ultrasound lab can quickly determine the severity of the blockage. Sometimes medication such as Aspirin, Coumadin, or Plavix is all that is required to treat carotid artery problems. When the symptoms or the blockage are severe, then carotid intervention is required to prevent stroke. The vascular surgeons at GVC are expertly trained in both surgical carotid endarterectomy and less invasive carotid angioplasty with stenting. GVC’s physicians were investigators in the CREST trial – a national trial comparing these two techniques of carotid repair. They are now involved in the CAPTURE carotid stent trial. They will be happy to discuss the risks and benefits of these procedures.

Georgia Vascular Clinic (GVC), a pioneer in Atlanta vascular care since 1968, is committed to the diagnosis and expert treatment of all peripheral vascular conditions. The physicians at GVC offer all forms of vascular treatment—including medical management, endovascular technique, and open surgery—a distinction unique to board certified vascular surgeons. GVC is made up of three physicians and has office locations in Atlanta, Blairsville, Blue Ridge, and Cumming. The combined experience of its surgeons and clinical staff, along with its track record for state-of-the-art treatment options and clinical research, makes GVC second to none in the Atlanta area.