Carotid endarterectomy: 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.
Why is a carotid endarterectomy done?
Carotid endarterectomy is done to help lower your risk of stroke.
Your doctor may recommend this procedure based on certain things. These include:
- The amount of narrowing (stenosis) in your carotid arteries. A procedure may be an option if the narrowing is 50% or more.
- Whether you had a stroke or TIA within the past 6 months. If you have not had a stroke or TIA, it's less clear that the procedure will help you.
Your doctor can help you understand your risk of stroke and whether endarterectomy might be an option for you.
Carotid Endarterectomy
During carotid endarterectomy, your surgeon:
- Makes a cut in your neck just below the jaw.
- Opens the carotid artery and carefully removes the plaque.
- May sew (graft) a man-made or tissue patch onto the carotid artery to help close the cut.
- Closes the artery and skin incisions with stitches.
After carotid endarterectomy: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You have a tight bulge in your neck on the side where the surgery was done.
- You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
- Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
- Sudden vision changes.
- Sudden trouble speaking.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
- Sudden problems with walking or balance.
- A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
- You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
- Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
- Sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.
- Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- A fever.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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