Carotid Endarterectomy for TIA and Stroke

Carotid endarterectomy is surgery to remove Reference plaque Opens New Window buildup in the Reference carotid arteries Opens New Window. During a carotid endarterectomy:

• A small incision is made in the neck just below the level of the jaw. The narrowed carotid artery is exposed.
• The blood flow through the narrowed area may be temporarily rerouted (shunted). Rerouting is done by placing a tube in the vessel above and below the narrowing. Blood flows around the narrowed area during the surgery.
• The artery is opened and the plaque is carefully removed, often in one piece.
• A vein from the leg may be sewn (grafted) on the carotid artery to widen or repair the vessel.
• The shunt is removed, and the artery and skin incisions are closed.

For more information about making the decision to have surgery, see:

Opens New Window Stroke: Should I Have Carotid Endarterectomy? Opens New Window

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