Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

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

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Reasons for Procedure

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 stroke.

Possible Complications

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

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

  • Smoking
  • The degree of blockage in your carotid artery
  • Blockage of the carotid arteries on both sides of your neck
  • Diabetes

What to Expect

Your doctor may do the following:

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Blood thinners

The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

You and your doctor will discuss using either:

You will lie flat on a table. A roll will be placed under your shoulder. Your head will be turned to the side. A cut in the skin will be made along the side of the neck. The cut will run from just behind the ear to a point above the breastbone. Clamps will be placed above and below the plaque on the carotid artery. In some cases, a temporary bypass tube will be used to maintain blood flow around the area that is being operated on.

The artery will be opened and cleaned of plaque. The artery will then be sewn back together. The clamps, and bypass tube, if used, will then be removed. A section of the carotid artery may need to be removed. In this case, an artificial graft or a segment of vein will be sewn in to replace it. The neck incision will be closed with stitches.

An arteriogram may be done to ensure that there are no complications, such as blood clots or narrowing. You may be given medicine to help prevent blood clotting.

2-4 hours

Anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. You will be given medicine to help manage any pain.

The usual length of stay is 1-3 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications occur.

The average recovery time is two weeks. When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

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
  • Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medicines you were given after surgery, or which persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital
  • Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given
  • Severe headaches, swelling in your neck, or other new symptoms
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Memory loss
  • Drooping facial muscles
  • Difficulty with speech, vision, or with moving
  • Weakness
  • Arm pain
  • Extreme sweatiness
  • Lightheadedness or fainting

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.