Having Surgery?

Carotid Endarterectomy

The carotid arteries are on the sides of your neck and supply your brain with blood oxygen and nutrients. over time plaque can form on the sides of the arteries. When the narrowing is mild or moderate we generally would recommend watchful waiting. This is because the risk of complications during a procedure is a greater than the risk of the narrowing. If the narrowing progresses to severe your surgeon may recommend surgery. This is because the risk of surgery is less than the risk of the narrowed artery.

A carotid endarterectomy is a surgery when an incision is made in the neck to expose the artery. The artery is then opened and the plaque is removed to clean the inside. The artery and neck are then closed with sutures.

A carotid stent is when a small metal tube is placed in the artery in the neck. This is done via a small needle being placed in the groin.

Your surgeon will determine which intervention is the best option in your case.