Peripheral arterial disease can affect many arteries throughout your body. Sometimes atherosclerotic plaque builds up in the arteries in the neck, the carotid arteries, that supply blood to the brain. If this blockage is severe, it is a major reason for a stroke to occur.
Here’s more about how carotid endarterectomy works and how to find out whether you’re an ideal candidate for this procedure.
What Is Carotid Endarterectomy?
Carotid endarterectomy is surgery to remove the plaque that clogs your carotid arteries. This can improve blood flow in the arteries and reduce your risk for stroke.
This surgery is recommended for people who have had a mini-stroke (also known as a TIA) and have blockage greater than 50%. It is also recommended when the blockage is over 70% in order to prevent a stroke. Your doctor can talk to you in more detail about whether the carotid endarterectomy procedure is ideal for you based on your condition.
What Happens During a Carotid Endarterectomy Procedure?
Carotid endarterectomy is performed under general anesthesia. First, your surgeon will make a small incision along the side of your neck at the site of artery blockage. Then, your surgeon will open your artery and remove the plaque deposits causing the blockage. Shunts or tubes may be used to temporarily reroute blood flow to the brain while the area is being worked on.
Next, your surgeon will close your cleaned out artery using stitches or a patch, after which normal blood flow will be restored.
What Are the Risks Associated With Carotid Endarterectomy?
Carotid endarterectomy comes with risks like any other surgery or medical procedure.
There can be bleeding, but blood transfusion is a rare occurrence for this operation.
There is a risk of stroke from the operation, but it is much less than the risk of living with the blocked artery.
Heart attack and death can happen rarely and patients who need this operation will have their heart evaluated beforehand to minimize that risk.
If you are a candidate for carotid endarterectomy, your doctor can discuss all potential risks and complications with you before your surgery.
What Is Recovery Like After Carotid Endarterectomy?
Carotid endarterectomy usually requires a hospital stay of between one and two days. During that time, you will be monitored closely. You should be able to eat that evening. Many patients do not require any pain medication after surgery.
Before you go home, your surgeon will give you specific, detailed instructions on how to clean and care for your incision. Usually, you can shower the day after you go home. Your surgeon may also suggest avoiding strenuous activities for up to two weeks and may follow up with you during that time to check on your healing and recovery progress.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for Carotid Endarterectomy?
Ideal candidates for carotid endarterectomy have at least one severely narrowed carotid artery and are at high risk for stroke. Other potential carotid endarterectomy indications include a previous stroke or transient ischemic attack and moderate narrowing of one or both carotid arteries.
If you have carotid artery disease, your doctor will discuss all your available treatment options, including carotid endarterectomy. You can also consult with a doctor who specializes in cardiology and vascular conditions to learn more about whether this procedure is correct for you.
At the Center for Vascular Care at HCA, our team provides the resources you need to take control of your heart health. Contact us to make an appointment, learn more about your treatment options, and receive a personalized diagnosis from one of our specialists today.