What is the primary treatment for a patient diagnosed with an obstructed carotid artery?

The primary treatment for a patient diagnosed with an obstructed carotid artery is typically stenting or surgical endarterectomy. This approach is aimed at removing the blockage in the artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain and reduce the risk of stroke.

Surgical endarterectomy involves the direct surgical removal of plaque from the carotid artery, which can significantly decrease the likelihood of acute events such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or full-blown strokes. Stenting, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive procedure where a small mesh tube is inserted to keep the artery open. Both interventions are designed to treat the underlying cause of the obstruction effectively.

While anticoagulation therapy may be used in certain circumstances, such as for patients with thrombosis or those at risk of clot formation, it does not directly address the structural obstruction in the carotid artery. Physical therapy and dietary changes can be beneficial for overall cardiovascular health and rehabilitation, but they do not serve as primary treatments for significant arterial blockages. Bed rest and observation may apply in some acute situations, but it does not actively treat the obstruction itself and thus is not a standard approach when significant carotid artery obstruction is identified.