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  • Endovascular / Catheter-Based

Carotid Artery Stenting

Carotid Artery Stenting in Sarasota & Bradenton

When Stenting Is the Right Call, We Know How to Do It Right.

Carotid artery stenting — also called transfemoral carotid artery stenting, or CAS — is a minimally invasive technique for treating significant narrowing in the carotid arteries. It is typically reserved for carefully selected patients for whom open surgery (CEA) carries elevated risk and whose anatomy is favorable for the transfemoral approach.

Vascular Wellness Institute offers CAS as part of a comprehensive carotid program that includes all three evidence-based treatment options: CEA, TCAR, and transfemoral stenting. Our surgeons help each patient understand which approach best fits their anatomy, risk profile, and clinical picture.

How Carotid Artery Stenting Works

CAS is performed through a small puncture in the groin, where a catheter is threaded up through the aorta and into the carotid artery. A cerebral embolic protection device is placed above the narrowed segment to catch any debris that may dislodge during the procedure. A stent — a small mesh tube — is then deployed inside the narrowed artery to hold it open and restore normal blood flow.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation and typically takes one to two hours. Most patients are monitored overnight and discharged the following morning.

When CAS Is Appropriate

CAS is generally considered for patients who:

  • Are at high surgical risk for open CEA due to heart or lung conditions
  • Have anatomy or prior neck surgery that makes a neck incision more complex
  • Have radiation damage to the neck from prior cancer treatment
  • Have restenosis (re-narrowing) after a previous CEA
  • Have anatomy that allows safe transfemoral catheter access

CAS vs. TCAR: Understanding the Difference

Both CAS and TCAR use stents to treat carotid stenosis, but the approach is meaningfully different. TCAR accesses the carotid artery directly through a small neck incision and uses a flow-reversal system that provides superior cerebral protection during stenting. Transfemoral CAS approaches from the groin, which requires a longer catheter path through the aortic arch — a route associated with higher rates of peri-procedural stroke in published trials.

For patients who are candidates for both techniques, TCAR is generally preferred at Vascular Wellness Institute based on the clinical evidence. CAS is offered for patients whose anatomy is well-suited to the transfemoral approach and for whom TCAR is not the optimal choice.

Anesthesia Type

Conscious Sedation

Typical Duration

60–90 min

Performed At

Hospital, Outpatient Surgery Center

Recovery Time

Same day

Hospital Stay​

Same day or 1 night

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is carotid stenting as effective as surgery? +

    For carefully selected patients, CAS produces outcomes that are comparable to CEA in appropriately selected populations. For standard-surgical-risk patients, CEA has historically shown lower peri-procedural stroke rates in major trials. CAS is most appropriate when the clinical picture, anatomy, and risk profile favor it over CEA or TCAR. Your surgeon will recommend the approach with the best evidence for your individual situation.

  • Will I be awake during carotid stenting? +

    CAS is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation — you will be comfortable and relaxed but not fully asleep. Your care team monitors you closely throughout the procedure.

  • How long do I need to take blood thinners after stenting? +

    After CAS, you will be placed on dual antiplatelet therapy — typically aspirin and clopidogrel — for a period determined by your surgeon, often 30 days to several months depending on your risk factors. Long-term aspirin is typically continued indefinitely. Do not stop these medications without speaking to your vascular surgeon first.

  • What is the recovery like after carotid stenting? +

    Most patients go home the day after the procedure with minimal restrictions. The groin puncture site heals within a few days. You will have follow-up imaging to confirm the stent is open and functioning well, typically at one month and at regular intervals thereafter.

  • Is carotid stenting covered by Medicare? +

    There is no longer a requirement for enrollment in a post-approval study or use of a CMS-certified facility. Our team will confirm your specific eligibility and any prior authorization requirements before scheduling.