Carotid endarterectomy can reduce your risk of stroke

Blood travels to your brain through two carotid arteries on each side of your neck. Over time, plaque buildup can narrow the arteries and reduce or block blood flow to your brain. This condition, called carotid artery disease or carotid artery stenosis, increases your risk of experiencing a stroke. 

A type of vascular surgery called carotid endarterectomy can be used to treat carotid artery disease and significantly reduce your risk of a stroke. It can also help prevent future strokes if you’ve ever had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke.

Close-up of vascular surgeons performing a carotid endarterectomy surgery on a patient in the opera

Treating carotid artery disease with carotid endarterectomy

A type of peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease, occurs when atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque in the arteries—narrows or blocks the carotids, leading to a stroke by disrupting blood flow to the brain. In other cases, if a blood clot forms from plaque in a carotid artery, it may break away and block an artery in the brain, which can cause a stroke.

During a carotid endarterectomy procedure, your surgeon removes the plaque in the arteries to restore blood flow to the brain and help reduce your risk of future strokes.

Close-up of a patient's brain scan before undergoing a carotid endarterectomy procedure to treat ca

Who is a candidate for carotid endarterectomy?

If your provider thinks you may have carotid artery disease, they will check your carotid arteries to determine the extent of the blockage(s). Carotid endarterectomy may be right for you if you have a blockage of at least 50% and have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) or if you have a blockage of 70% or more, regardless of symptoms or complications.

Other procedures for carotid artery disease

There is another procedure that may be an option for you other than carotid endarterectomy surgery:

Benefits of carotid endarterectomy

Treatments for carotid artery disease improve blood flow to your brain and reduce your risk of having a stroke.

You can improve the results of your carotid endarterectomy and further reduce your risk of stroke by making the following healthy lifestyle changes after your procedure:

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Quit smoking
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What to expect from carotid endarterectomy surgery

Before surgery

Your surgeon will perform a physical exam and may order tests to ensure you’re healthy enough to have surgery. To help you stay safe during and after carotid endarterectomy, you’ll need to take some important steps in the days and weeks leading up to the surgery. Your surgical team may recommend that you:

  • Quit smoking
  • Stop eating and drinking just before the surgery, according to your surgeon’s instructions
  • Stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, as directed by your surgeon

Ask your surgeon which medicines you can take on the day of surgery. Be sure you know when to arrive at the hospital—a prompt arrival helps the process run smoothly—and where to go when you arrive. It’s a good idea to ask a friend or family member to accompany you so they can drive you to the hospital and take you home. You may be able to go home the same day after your procedure, but be sure to pack essential items for a hospital stay in case you need to spend the night.

Prepare for your surgery

Find a location near you

If you need a carotid endarterectomy, you can trust the expertise of our teams at specialized locations across Central and North Texas. After your surgery, you can receive comprehensive follow-up care at one of our many convenient locations.

Frequently asked questions