In a stroke, arteries are already narrowed by deposits (arteriosclerosis) and a blood clot in the brain triggers the stroke (apoplexy). Most people experience numerous harbingers long before a stroke as a warning. Various measures can be taken to protect these patients from a stroke.

These are the possible interventions:

For some patients, the administration of a blood-thinning medication such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), commonly known as aspirin, is sufficient.

If the artery is already too 70% occluded, a surgical procedure is necessary. The artery is usually opened during the operation and the deposits removed.

However, there is also a measure that does not require surgery. This involves dilating the veins with a balloon and inserting a tube (stent) to keep them dilated. Only a local anaesthetic is used.