Carotid Endarterectomy

What is carotid artery disease?

If you suffer from carotid artery disease, you have a narrowing or a blockage in one of the two big blood vessels within your neck. Usually, a blockage happens because of plaque buildup, also called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis plaque is made of cholesterol, fat, and other components of your blood. Other things can also cause carotid artery blockage, such as a blood clot. 

Your carotid arteries deliver blood to your brain, which means that a blockage could lead to a stroke. That’s why it’s so essential to get prompt treatment for carotid artery disease.

What is carotid endarterectomy?

Carotid endarterectomy is a surgery that treats carotid artery disease. During this procedure, your American Vascular Specialists physician removes plaque to clear your artery and restore normal blood flow. 

Carotid endarterectomy is usually recommended for more serious artery narrowing or blockages. In many cases, a minimally invasive procedure like balloon angioplasty is the initial treatment, but if other procedures can’t correct the problem, your surgeon may recommend carotid endarterectomy.

What happens during carotid endarterectomy?

You’ll receive either local or general anesthesia before your carotid endarterectomy. Your American Vascular Specialists surgeon creates an incision in your neck, directly above your clogged carotid artery. 

Then, your surgeon opens the affected artery and extracts the blockage. In some cases, your surgeon may place a small tube in your artery to maintain blood flow while they’re clearing the blockage. Your surgeon then expertly restores the artery using either small stitches or grafting material. 

What is the recovery like after carotid endarterectomy?

Typically, you’ll spend a day or two in the hospital. For the first few days after your carotid endarterectomy, it’s normal to experience neck pain and discomfort when swallowing. 

You’ll generally start taking blood thinner medication promptly after your surgery, which helps prevent clots. Also, your American Vascular Specialists physician recommends some changes that can help you avoid the same problem in the future. This usually means changing your eating habits, exercising regularly, and monitoring your health closely. 

For help with carotid artery disease, trust the experienced team at American Vascular Specialists. Call the office or use online booking to arrange your consultation now.