In 1997, stroke killed more than 150,000 people in the United States ranking it the third largest cause of death that year.
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
Blockages in the carotid artery, a large artery in the side of the neck, are a common cause of stroke. Removing blockages in the carotid artery effectively reduces the risk of stroke and doctors at Union Memorial Hospital are investigating a new surgical procedure to help high-risk patients. Patients who undergo this procedure have their carotid artery examined by ultrasound testing to determine the severity of a blockage. Since half of strokes are caused by carotid artery blockages, it is important to undergo this non-invasive procedure if your doctor determines you are at a risk for stroke. Union Memorial Hospital has been a leader in vascular surgery for a number of years, taking part in a series of investigational trials to determine the effectiveness of new surgical remedies for vascular problems.