Carotid artery surgery

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Arterial plaque build-up	Arterial tear in internal carotid artery	Atherosclerosis of internal carotid artery	Carotid artery surgery - series
Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery	Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the right artery

Carotid endarterectomy

Carotid artery surgery usually helps prevent further brain damage and reduces the risk of stroke. However, unless lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise when approved by your physician) are made, plaque buildup, clot formation, and other problems in the carotid arteries can return.

After surgery, you are usually observed overnight to watch for any signs of bleeding, stroke, or compromised blood flow to the brain. However, there is a recent trend to send the patient home the same day, if the operation is done early and the patient is doing well.

Erratic blood pressure (requiring monitoring in an intensive care unit) is relatively common, tends to improve within 24 hours, and should not be a cause for concern.

Review Date: 07/14/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.