Carotid Endarterectomy

Carotid Endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove fatty plaque from neck arteries. Fatty plaque is deposited on the interior walls of the neck (carotid) arteries. This condition is known as Carotid Artery Disease and affects the vessels leading to the head and brain. Like the heart, the brain’s cells need a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. This blood supply is delivered to the brain by the two large carotid arteries in the front of the neck and by two smaller vertebral arteries at the back of the neck. A stroke most often occurs when the carotid arteries become blocked and the brain does not get enough oxygen.

Carotid artery disease increases the risk for stroke in three ways:

  • By accumulation of fatty deposits called plaque which severely narrow the inside of the carotid artery and decreases blood flow to the brain.
  • By a blood clot becoming wedged in a carotid artery narrowed by plaque.
  • By plaque breaking off from the carotid arteries and blocking a smaller artery in the brain.

What are the symptoms?

While there are no specific symptoms specific to carotid artery disease, the warning signs of a stroke are a good way to tell if there is a blockage in the carotid arteries. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA’s) are temporary episodes, which tell you that a stroke may be imminent.

These signs include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Tingling
  • Numbness in the extremities on face
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Paralysis that can last for a few minutes to a couple of hours

Other symptoms include:

  • Weakness or paralysis of your arm, leg or face on one side of the body.
  • Numbness or tingling of your arm, leg or face on one side of the body.
  • Trouble swallowing.
  • Loss of eyesight, or blurry eyesight in one eye.
  • Dizziness, confusion, fainting, or coma.

Surgical Procedure

General anesthesia is needed for this surgery. The surgeon makes an incision in the neck, at the location of the blockage. A tube is inserted above and below the blockage to reroute blood flow. The surgeon can then open the carotid artery and remove the plaque. The artery is then closed and the tube removed.

For more information contact your health provider or e-mail cardiology@highlinemedical.org.

Back to Top