Carotid Artery Surgery / Endarterectomy

Carotid artery surgery or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a surgical procedure performed to treat carotid artery disease, a condition in which the carotid arteries (the major arteries that supply blood to the brain) become narrowed or blocked due to the build-up of plaque (a combination of fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances). When plaque accumulates in the carotid arteries, it restricts blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of a stroke.

The goal of carotid artery surgery is to remove the plaque from the affected artery and restore normal blood flow, thereby reducing the risk of stroke. This surgery is typically performed on patients who have a high-grade stenosis (narrowing) of the carotid artery, often diagnosed after a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly referred to as a mini-stroke.

Carotid endarterectomy has been a standard treatment for carotid artery disease for decades and remains one of the most effective surgical interventions for preventing stroke caused by carotid artery blockage. While the procedure is generally safe, it does carry some risks, and careful consideration of the patient’s overall health and risk factors is essential.

Carotid artery surgery or endarterectomy is typically indicated when atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) in the carotid arteries is causing narrowing (stenosis), leading to impaired blood flow. Several causes and risk factors contribute to the development of carotid artery disease:

Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of carotid artery disease. It occurs when fatty deposits and cholesterol build up on the inner walls of the arteries, leading to plaque formation and narrowing of the arteries. This restricts blood flow to the brain and increases the risk of stroke.

High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for carotid artery disease. Elevated pressure in the arteries can damage the artery walls, making them more prone to plaque accumulation.

High levels of cholesterol in the blood, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as "bad cholesterol," can contribute to the formation of plaque in the carotid arteries.

Smoking accelerates the buildup of plaque in the arteries and damages blood vessels, significantly increasing the risk of developing carotid artery disease.