Carotid endarterectomy is a procedure to treat carotid artery disease, which occurs when fatty, waxy plaque deposits build up in one of the carotid arteries.
This plaque buildup may restrict blood flow to the brain. During the endarterectomy, a Deborah® surgeon will open the carotid artery and removes the arterial plaques before closing and repairing the artery.
In carotid endarterectomy, a local or general anesthetic is administered. The surgeon makes an incision along the front of the patient’s neck, opens the carotid artery and removes plaque that is clogging the artery. The surgeon then repairs the artery.
Sometimes surgeons may use another technique called eversion carotid endarterectomy. This involves cutting the carotid artery and turning it inside out, then removing the plaque. the surgeon then reattaches the artery.
Patients of increased age, or those with other cardiovascular conditions may be candidates for a carotid endarterectomy.
Recovery from the procedure is rapid. For most patients, this procedure helps prevent further brain damage and reduces the risk of stroke.