Both Internal Carotid Arteries Blocked 100%

My father is 61 years old and recently lost the vision in one of his eyes.  After many doctor appointments, we discovered the arteries supplying blood to his face are 100% blocked. This was discovered by an angiogram. The thought is that some plaque broke loose and went to the eye.  They do not think he'll get his eyesight back.

According to the nurse, they will not operate on these blockages because of the risks.  She said he must have developed "collateral blood supply"  I take it that it means he is still getting some blood to his face.  She also told us that the artery in the back of his neck is clear and he HAS to stop smoking.

Also, he has a 100% blockage in the artery near his clavical, reducing the blood supply to his left arm. He is undergoing an angioplasty in two days to try and correct it.

What does all of this mean for his future?  Is he still at a risk for a stroke even if the arteries are completely blocked?  Is he in grave condition, with his future uncertain?

What does all of this mean in relation to his future and what health problems he may face? Should they risk surgery because both carotid arteries are blocked?

Thank you for whatever information you may have.

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear red,
The decision to correct the blockages would depend on the artery that is affected, his overall clinical condition and the degree of blockage.  It is true that in general arteries that are 100% occluded are not corrected because of "collateral circulation". What this means is that new blood vessels have found their way around the blockage and are providing blood flow.  

He does remain at high risk for repeat stroke and heart attack and his doctors should be working with him to reduce that risk. I would agree that he MUST stop smoking to have any chance of slowing the blockages.  In addition medications such as cholesterol lowering drugs and  blood pressure lowering medications are vital.

[Chuck555va]

Hi, you might want to have him try having a couple sessions of intravenous(not oral) EDTA. It'll take the calcium out of the plaque and then his body can clean the rest up on its own. If you give him cholestrol lowering drugs, make sure he takes some Co enzyme Q10 supplements(CoQ10-vital for energy and is often blocked by cholesterol lowering drugs). Keep him away from cigarettes and too much sugar. Email me at ***@**** if u want further details.

[rob8429]

A related discussion, carotid artery surgery was started.