Backgrounder: Guidant Corporation Develops Groundbreaking Medical Technology for Carotid Artery Disease
In the United States, an estimated 750,000 people annually become the victims of strokes. The two most common causes of a stroke are irregular heart rhythm, also known as atrial fibrillation, and blockage in the carotid arteries. Carotid arteries become blocked by cholesterol deposits or atherosclerosis, which narrow the blood flow channel in the carotid arteries.
Carotid stenting is the newest method in the treatment of carotid artery disease. Stenting, inserting a tube into the main artery to the brain to prevent a stroke, proved equally effective to the traditional endarterectomy surgery.
In a highly competitive cardiovascular device market, Guidant is the current leader in stenting technology. After conducting a number of tests, Guidant has developed an innovative new stent to serve as a viable alternative to the highly invasive open-neck surgery.
Carotid artery disease results from the blockage or the narrowing of the major arteries located in the neck. These carotid arteries supply the brain with blood. The carotid arteries extend from the aorta, the largest artery in the human body located in the chest, to the brain. A person is more likely to develop this disease with age. Only about one percent of people ages 50 to 59 have significantly narrowed arteries; however, approximately 10 percent of people ages 80 to 89 may be subject to this problem.
Typically, the arteries are smooth and unobstructed on the inside, but with age, a sticky substance called plaque builds on the walls of the arteries and alters their texture. Plaque consists of cholesterol, calcium and fibrous tissue and as it builds, the arteries stiffen and become narrower.
When enough plaque builds up, the blood flow through the carotid artery slows and eventually stops if not treated. The artery hardening process is called atherosclerosis, which is a serious health risk because it can cause a stroke.
Carotid artery disease typically does not display any symptoms in its early stages. It is possible that a stroke can be the first indicator of the onset of carotid artery disease. Several symptoms foreshadowing a stroke can occur a few minutes to an hour before the stroke. Signs of a stroke include weakness, numbness, tingling sensations on one side of the body, loss of control in certain body parts, loss of vision in one eye and the ability to speak clearly.
Hardening of the arteries is the main cause of the disease. Other contributing factors may include smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Fortunately, carotid artery disease is preventable. Quitting smoking will greatly reduce a person’s chance of getting the disease. Other ways of preventing the condition include regular exercise and a healthy diet.
“Carotid artery disease is preventable through lifestyle modifications and a healthy diet. However, when it comes down to the treatment of the disease, Guidant’s carotid stenting technique has proved to be a viable alternative to carotid endarterectomy,” said William M. Gray, M.D., FACC, from Columbia University Medical Center in New York.
Guidant Corporation recently merged with Boston Scientific, a worldwide developer, manufacturer, and marketer of medical devices that advances less-invasive medicine. As a part of the merger, Guidant’s vascular and endovascular businesses have been acquired by Abbot Vascular. Abbot Vascular is the world’s leading vascular care business that is uniquely focused on transforming the treatment of vascular diseases by utilizing the latest medical device innovations.
Guidant Corporation headquarters are located in Indianapolis, Ind. The company has additional locations in Washington, California, Minnesota, Ireland and Puerto Rico. Guidant’s main competitors include Medtronic, St. Jude Medical and Johnson and Johnson.
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