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Carotid Endarterectomy

Surgery Overview

A carotid endarterectomy (say "kuh-RAW-tid en-dar-tuh-REK-tuh-mee") is done to remove fatty buildup (plaque) from one of the carotid arteries. There are two of these arteries. One runs along each side of the neck. They supply blood to your brain. When plaque builds up in either one, it can limit blood flow to your brain. The plaque also raises your risk of stroke. This surgery may lower your risk of stroke.

The doctor will make a cut (incision) in your neck. Then the doctor will make a cut in the carotid artery and take out the plaque.

Next, the doctor will close the cut in the artery with stitches. The doctor may sew a man-made or tissue patch to close the cut in the artery. Then the doctor will use stitches to close the cut in your skin. It will leave a scar. But the scar will fade with time.

You may stay in the hospital for at least 1 or 2 days.

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Information about Carotid Endarterectomy

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Information about Carotid Endarterectomy

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff

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