Carotid endarterectomy is an open surgical procedure that treats carotid stenosis. This narrowing usually occurs due to build-up of fatty deposits, or plaque (called atherosclerosis). When atherosclerosis builds up in the carotid arteries, blood flow to the brain may be impaired, increasing the risk of stroke. Additionally, small pieces of plaque may dislodge and block a vessel in the brain, leading to stroke. Carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery disease treatment improves blood flow through the carotid arteries by removing the plaque from inside the diseased artery.
To perform a carotid endarterectomy, a surgeon makes an incision on the side of the neck where the affected carotid artery is located. The surgeon opens the artery and removes the plaque, then sutures the artery back together to restore normal blood flow to the brain.
An alternative to carotid endarterectomy for selected patients who are at high risk for surgery is balloon angioplasty with stenting, which is a minimally invasive procedure requiring only a small incision in the groin. Similar to a coronary angioplasty used to open narrowed coronary arteries in the heart, a carotid artery angioplasty uses a small balloon threaded into the carotid artery to flatten the plaque and improve blood flow. A stent may then be used to ensure the artery remains open.
For state-of-the-art treatment of carotid artery disease, including carotid endarterectomy, patients in the Boston area can turn to the Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Learn more about carotid endarterectomy at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
