Carotid Artery Stenosis / Dry Suit Neck Seal = Increased Risk of Stroke?

[DeepSeaDan]

Greetings.

My left carotid artery has 50% - 75% stenosis occlusion , likely the result of radiotherapy for left tonsilar cancer, with extension to the left lymph ( 1 tumour ). I am currently 4 years post-treatment and clear of any recurrence. The right carotid shows clear, though investigation thus far has been limited to doppler ultrasound.

My reading concerning the 'fix' for such stenosis indicates the strong possibility of a stent being placed to open up the arterial lumen. I'm currently awaiting a consult with a vascular surgeon & I'm itchin' to go for a cold-water dive while I wait.

Question: does the pressure exerted by my dry suit neck seal ( neoprene, snug but not excessively tight ), increase my risk for possible disruption of existing plaques, with subsequent cva?

TIA!
( Thanks in advance - not transient ischemic attack! )

Regards,
DSD,

 

[Marie13]

Have you contacted DAN?

 

[Filipe Marques da Costa]

In some situations where a patient has a certain type of supraventricular tachycardia (increased heartbeat) it is indicated to perform a neck massage directly over the carotid artery/sinus. Such maneuvre is not recommended in patients with known carotid artery stenosis/plaques because there are known and described cases of ischemic stroke after such pressure/massage. That being said a carotid massage exerts significantly more pressure than a dry suit seal. That’s the closest I could think of. I don’t think there is any hard evidence about this subject even regarding the use of tight shirts or ties, let alone neoprene neck seals. Especially for a 50% stenosis. It’ll probably come down to the risk/benefit assessment between you and your vascular surgeon. Personally I’d imagine the risk as very very low. In any case I’d get their opinion beforehand and follow it.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

This is not a question for random people on the internet. Talk to a dive doc familiar with your condition. Anything else is risking an answer that may have your relatives attending your funeral and wake.

 

[JohnN]

You might also consider using an Apollo Bioseal. It would help to spread the pressure from the neck seal over a larger area

 

[Ukmc]

Depending on degree of carotid narrowing you could be at higher risk for a stroke or TIA. If it happens above the water a it is bad, but below you could be toast (That is even without considering potential problems with neck seal). DAN is a good start, but I suspect they will defer to your vascular surgeon because degree of carotid narrowing and the type of narrowing vary widely.
If I was in your shoes, I would await for your already scheduled consult with a specialist and go from there.
Good luck!

 

[FishWatcher747]

Good question. No one including DAN or your vascular surgeon can give you a definitive answer. No one has ever done such a study and it will never be done. Just anecdotal instances mentioned of bad things like stroke very occasionally happening when carotid massage has been done.

 

[DeepSeaDan]

Have you contacted DAN?

No, thought I'd try here first.

 

[DeepSeaDan]

You might also consider using an Apollo Bioseal. It would help to spread the pressure from the neck seal over a larger area

Interesting - I'll give it a look - thanks!

 

[DeepSeaDan]

This is not a question for random people on the internet. Talk to a dive doc familiar with your condition. Anything else is risking an answer that may have your relatives attending your funeral and wake.

Agreed, it's a bit personal, but still good fodder for discussion, as I think the stats would bear out that such stenosis is a prevalent problem in humanity, perhaps western peoples more so. I'm a big proponent of prevention; such conversation just might strike a chord with others who may feel it to be an applicable issue for themselves.