grunter,

Thanks for your question.  The newest treatment available is called stenting.  This is done through a catheter which is fed through the carotid artery at the site of the blockage.  Then a stent is deployed at the site.  This stent, when released, opens up within the artery (and blockage) and forms a new lumen, or channel for the blood to travel through.  There is still considerable risk with this procedure and it is still quite new.  You will need to do some homework to find the right place and the right surgeon, who have done a number of these procedures.

This doesn't mean that everyone is a candidate for this procedure.  The surgeon, and your primary care physician will help inform you whether this is the right procedure for this situation.  There are many variables including, age, location of the blockage, and underlying medical conditions.

Please review other areas of this website to obtain a good educational base which can only help in your search and decision making.

Thank you.

Martin Cane, M.D.