One treatment for carotid artery stenosis: stent placement The carotid artery in the neck is a common site of atherosclerosis. As plaque builds up, it leaves less room for blood flow and can cause strokes through clotting or embolization. Carotid stenosis is defined as a greater than 70% narrowing of the lumen (the… read more "Carotid Artery Stenosis: Surgery, Stent, or Nonsurgical Stroke Prevention?"