Blockages in your carotid arteries can lead to serious, life-threatening health problems like stroke.
UPMC vascular surgeons perform carotid endarterectomy to remove blockages in the carotid arteries and lower your stroke risk. Our surgeons take a team approach and quickly diagnose and treat you based on your individual needs.
Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure that improves blood flow to your brain and reduces your stroke risk by removing blockages from the inside of your carotid arteries. In most cases, blockages are caused by plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances.
A carotid endarterectomy can treat carotid artery stenosis, or the narrowing of the carotid arteries due to plaque buildup.
If left untreated, carotid artery stenosis can lead to serious, life-threatening health issues like:
In some cases, a TIA or stroke is the first sign of a blocked carotid artery. These conditions are medical emergencies that can lead to permanent disability and death without immediate treatment.
If you think you or someone else is having a stroke or mini-stroke, call 911 right away.
Although carotid endarterectomy is performed through a small incision, it is a complex procedure that can reduce the risk of a life-threatening stroke.
If you’ve been diagnosed with carotid artery stenosis or told that you have a blocked carotid artery, you may be a candidate for carotid endarterectomy. Your doctor may suggest a carotid endarterectomy to restore healthy blood flow and lower your risk of stroke or TIA if:
Like any medical procedure, carotid endarterectomy can have risks. These may include:
Stroke is the most common complication of carotid endarterectomy. However, if carotid artery stenosis is left untreated, your stroke risk may be significantly higher when compared to the risk of stroke during the procedure.
To reduce your risk of stroke during carotid endarterectomy, UPMC surgeons use the latest devices to prevent pieces of plaque from traveling to your brain and blocking blood flow.
During your first visit, your doctor will go over your medical history and perform a physical exam.
You may also have a series of tests, including:
On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.
You will need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after your procedure. You should bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medications, and a change of clothes. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after you are discharged.
Carotid endarterectomy can take up to two hours, and most patients can go home within 1-2 days.
During your procedure, you will be positioned on the operating table, lying on your back, with your head raised slightly and turned away from the side where you will have the procedure. You will receive general anesthesia to put you to sleep before the procedure.
After you are asleep, your surgeon will:
When your carotid endarterectomy is complete, you will be moved to recovery and then admitted to the hospital. If a drainage tube was placed in your incision during your procedure, it most likely will be removed the next morning. You should be able to go home within 1-2 days.
You should ask your doctor when you can return to work and resume everyday activities. You will be instructed not to drive for a certain amount of time after your procedure.
It is very important that you see your doctor for follow-up visits as recommended. Your doctor will schedule you for follow-up duplex ultrasound exams to monitor your carotid arteries.
Your surgeon will recommend lifestyle changes, like:
Your doctor may also recommend medicines to control your cholesterol or blood pressure and help prevent future blockages.
Most people can return to their normal activities within 3-4 weeks after a carotid endarterectomy. However, you should talk to your doctor about their specific recommendations for you.
You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:
If any of these symptoms are severe, you should dial 911 immediately.
For most patients, carotid endarterectomy restores blood flow to the brain and helps reduce stroke risk.
With lifestyle changes, medication, and follow-up care, most patients can manage their stroke risk and live active, fulfilling lives. If you have questions about your life expectancy after your carotid endarterectomy, talk to your doctor.
The success rate of your carotid endarterectomy depends on your age, your overall health, and the severity of the blockage. Your doctor will discuss the expected success rate of the procedure with you.
When you choose UPMC for your carotid endarterectomy, you will receive expert carotid artery care from some of the region's most experienced vascular surgeons. If carotid endarterectomy isn’t the best option for you, we'll recommend other treatments that better suit your needs.
Medically reviewed by: Abigayle Dranko, PA-C on 2024-10-01.
