What is Arterial Dissection?

An Arterial Dissection refers to a tear in the inner lining of the wall of an artery. It can happen at any point in the body where outside trauma impacts the underlying artery resulting in an abnormal and usually abrupt tear. However, most dissections occur in the carotid vessels in the mid-to-upper neck or vertebral arteries located at the base of the skull. They also can occur spontaneously without any history of trauma. Dissections affect between 12,000 and 15,000 people each year and are often the main cause of stroke in individuals under 40 years of age.

Symptoms of an Arterial Dissection can be as minor as neck, ear or jaw pain; a droopy eyelid or experiencing double vision; ringing in the ears, dizziness or vertigo; or they can be as significant as a major stroke with loss of speech and the ability to use your arms or legs.

Risk Factors commonly associated with an Arterial Dissection include: Hypertension (high blood pressure), history of trauma or neck manipulation, smoking, and family history.

Treatment Options

There are two primary treatment options for an Arterial Dissection:

• Medical treatment using drug therapies including aspirin, Plavix and coumadin (depending on the clinical diagnosis and the patient’s medical history)
• Stenting to open blocked blood vessels

Drug therapies are generally followed for months. If no significant improvement occurs during this time, your doctor may recommend a stent implant. Generally this involves minimally invasive endovascular surgery during which the stent will be inserted to strengthen and heal the torn vessel layer. You will more than likely be given conscious (IV) sedation and you will be relaxed, but awake during the procedure. You can expect to be discharged within one day, followed by seven to 10 days of recovery at home. Most patients are up eating within three to six hours following surgery.

It is important to note that the majority of dissections resolve within the first few months when utilizing drug therapies.

What exactly is a stent?

Endovascular stenting is a minimally invasive way to repair a torn (dissected) artery in the neck or brain. A stent is a small expandable mesh (metal alloy) tube that is placed in the dissected artery to help keep it open and reinforce the artery walls. The stent remains in place as a permanent implant in your artery.

Your Health Care Team

The medical team at Cerebrovascular Specialists of Florida is led by two endovascular surgeons dedicated to discovering innovative and less invasive treatments for diseases affecting the arteries In the brain and neck. They will thoroughly discuss your individual situation and treatment options available. You should feel comfortable sharing all your questions and concerns with your doctor.

During your surgery you will be in the care of a skillful medical team at Lee Memorial Health System’s HealthPark Medical Center. In addition to your doctor, your medical team may include an anesthesiologist or other anesthesia care provider, highly trained nurses, physician assistant, and specially trained radiologists and radiology technicians.

Risks Associated with Surgery

As with all surgeries, you will be asked to sign a standard consent form prior to surgery and your surgeon will discuss the specifics of any risks associated with your individual situation. If you have any questions prior to surgery, please do not hesitate to ask your doctor or any other member of your health care team.