What is Carotid Artery Endarterectomy?

The carotid artery carries blood through the neck to the brain. Blockage of this artery can lead to brain damage called a stroke.

A carotid artery endarterectomy is a surgery to remove the deposits from this artery. Deposits in arteries result in plaque. This can slow and even stop blood from flowing through the artery.

Carotid Artery © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

This procedure helps to restore proper blood flow to the brain. This will help to prevent strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) . TIAs are considered a warning sign of a coming stroke.

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have an endarterectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Damage to the carotid artery

• High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)

• Stroke

• Nerve injury in the neck

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• The degree of blockage in your carotid artery

• Blockage of the carotid arteries on both sides of your neck

• Diabetes

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills

• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision site

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