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Three undergo new stroke prevention procedure
Three patients, all at different stages of their lives, each with varied medical histories, recently benefited from a non-surgical intervention to prevent deadly strokes at Advocate South Suburban Hospital, Hazel Crest. On Dec. 12, the hospital successfully performed three carotid stenting procedures for the first time.
Cartoid stenting is a procedure in which a stent (a narrow, mesh-metal tube) is inserted into the carotid artery. The carotid artery is the main blood vessel supplying blood and oxygen to the head. The stent is inserted by the catheter, through an incision in the groin, often following angioplasty. When in place, the stent expands allowing the artery to stay open and increases blood flow, assisting in the prevention of stroke. Cartoid stenting clears blockages and is a less invasive option than surgery.
Cardiologists Drs. Abdul Ghani, and Surendra B. Avula, performed the carotid stenting procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Advocate South Suburban Hospital. The three patients, 77-year-old Maria Carrillo of Chicago Heights, 64-year-old Bob Goebel of Chicago, and 58-year-old Daniel Roberts of Midlothian, were all able to leave the hospital the next day.
"All three of these patients are different ages and have a different spectrum of carotid artery disease," explained Dr. Ghani. "Yet, each would benefit from carotid stenting. It is a great asset to the community that this procedure is now available in Hazel Crest."
Carillo underwent the procedure after an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging exam) revealed a closed artery caused by cholesterol. "There was 90 percent blockage in my left artery and 50 percent in my right," she said. After the procedure, the physicians told Carillo that her risk of stroke is reduced. Having undergone a similar procedure years ago, Carillo commented that this experience was much more comfortable.
"Yesterday was beautiful, there was no suffering," Carillo said as she was preparing to leave the hospital.
Carillo and her husband Carlos have two grown children and four grandsons. She plans to relax at home this winter and is hoping to travel to Mexico City, in her native country, Mexico, in March to celebrate her brother's 50-years in the priesthood.
Goebel and Roberts, who shared a room at Advocate South Suburban Hospital, agreed that while they do not feel any physical change, having the procedure was a relief. "It isn't something you can detect," Roberts said of the 95 percent blockage in his artery. "But, mentally I feel better."
Goebel scheduled himself for the procedure after learning he had carotid stenosis, which is narrowing of the carotid arteries. "I had 95 percent blockage," said Goebel. "There is tremendous risk when the arteries are blocked. You don't want to get to that point. Now I am feeling fine."
Roberts, who is married with three grown children, and two grandchildren, left the hospital with plans to celebrate the holidays as usual. Goebel said he intends to exercise more. "I will watch my diet more closely," said Goebel, who is married and has two adult children and one grandchild.
Just like for heart disease, screening for carotid artery disease is extremely important. Many of these patients experience a stroke without any warning signs or symptoms. Once an accurate diagnosis has been made patients can be effectively treated with carotid artery stenting.
Cartoid stenting is just one procedure added to Advocate South Suburban Hospital's cardiovascular service line in 2006. The hospital also began performing non-emergent elective angioplasty as part of a John Hopkins University-sponsored clinical trial.
"The expansion of cardiovascular services at Advocate South Suburban Hospital is something to be excited about," said Dr. Ghani. "These patients are able to undergo such advanced, state-of-the-art treatments close to home, which is excellent for their health and comfort."
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