Has anyone had Chelation Therapy for Cortid Artery treatment? If so, what was the cost and how are you doing?

My spouse has 90+% blockage in the R cortid artery, according to a doppler x-ray. No symptoms... was scheduled for surgery next week but someone convienced us to try Chelation IV's instead...need advice...we are in TX. I am very cautious about this a little scared you might say...any advice will be appreciated.

I would talk to the cardiologist, but I don't think this is likely to help your spouse.

In 1998, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission charged that the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) website and a brochure had made false or unsubstantiated claims. In December 1998, the FTC announced that it had secured a consent agreement barring ACAM from making unsubstantiated advertising claims that chelation therapy is effective against atherosclerosis or any other disease of the circulatory system.

The efficacy, safety, and much of the theory behind these practices are disputed by legitimate scientists. In 2001, researchers at the University of Calgary reported that cardiac patients receiving chelation therapy fared no better than those who received placebo treatment.

To be honest, chelation has NEVER been shown to be of any benefit.

On the other hand, in the hands of an experienced vascular surgeon, a carotid endarterectomy is a safe procedure with fairly few risks. Our patients (from 55 - 92) come in, have surgery, and 95% go home the next day. Recovery is quick.

At 90%, the risk of stroke in the next few years is high, Don't waste time on an unproven "treatment".