Definition

Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to treat obstruction of the carotid artery caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Purpose

The purpose of surgical therapy for vascular disease is to prevent stroke. Stroke can be caused by atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries located in the neck. Atherosclerosis is a degenerative disease of the cardiovascular system, which can occur in the carotid arteries in the neck, resulting in plaques of lipids, cholesterol crystals, and necrotic cells. The plaques in the carotid arteries can result in disease by embolizing, thrombosing, or causing stenosis (narrowing of artery). The plaques in the carotid arteries can cause disease if they obstruct a vessel or get dislodged and obstruct another area.

Precautions

The procedure is contraindicated in patients with an...