For most people, the word “stroke” is scary, maybe even a little mysterious. It’s a condition that lives up to its name, striking patients hard and changing their lives forever. But strokes can be prevented, and many Franciscan Health patients who have had carotid artery surgery or a carotid stent placed can attest to that. Cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Michael Tuchek will talk to us today about how surgical advances can target where the risk of stroke may dwell—in the carotid arteries. He’ll also explain what a TIA, or “mini stroke” is, and why it’s important to pay attention to symptoms.
