Importance Of Carotid Endarterectomy And Why It Is Done!
What To Expect During A Carotid Endarterectomy?
A carotid endarterectomy is a surgical technique to remove plaque from your carotid arteries that supply blood to the head and neck areas. These arteries are located on each side of the neck and supply blood to the brain. Plaque is a buildup of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances inside your artery walls. This plaque formation narrows the carotid arteries thereby decreasing the blood flow reaching towards your brain which can result in a stroke. Thus, a carotid endarterectomy is required in order to prevent a more fatal condition of stroke. The goal of carotid endarterectomy is to remove the plaque and improve the blood supply towards the brain. A carotid endarterectomy may also be done to treat symptoms of carotid artery disease such as:
- Severe symptoms of dizziness
- Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
- Neck pain
- Headache
Importance Of Carotid Endarterectomy And Why It Is Done!
A carotid endarterectomy is a life-saving procedure to avoid the risk of stroke in patients who have severe symptoms of occlusion of the carotid arteries which can eventually cut off any blood supply to the brain if left untreated. This can happen if a blood clot forms or if an artery becomes completely blocked. It is a safe and effective procedure and the risks of the procedure are low. Complications can include bleeding, infection, stroke, and even death.
What To Expect During the Procedure?
This is a major surgery with general anesthesia. This means you will be asleep and remain pain-free during the surgery. A surgeon will make an incision in the neck and open the carotid artery. The plaque is then removed and the artery is finally closed using staples or stitches to restore the blood flow. Your surgeon may place a small tube called a drain in your neck to help remove any excess blood.
The procedure usually takes about 2 hours, and you will likely stay in the hospital for about 3-5 days after the surgery. Post-procedure, you may have some soreness and bruising around the incision site along with swelling, minor pain, and numbness in your neck. These minor symptoms should get better over time. Your doctor will prescribe pain medicine for any residual pain symptoms and provide you aftercare instructions about how to take care of yourself at home.
Generally, most people feel back to normal within a few weeks. You will likely need to take it easy for a few weeks and avoid any strenuous activity. You will also need to follow up with your doctor to make sure your carotid artery is healing properly.
Dr. Arun – An Expert Highly Skilled Interventional Cardiologist Known For His Achievements & Success With Carotid Endarterectomy Procedure!
If you are contemplating a carotid endarterectomy surgery or have any queries regarding this surgery, you should consult Dr. Arun who is a board-certified cardiologist with a tremendous track record in performing very successful cardiovascular surgeries. He is successfully treating patients undergoing all types of cardiovascular procedures. All his patients known him for providing the highest standard of care. You can also ask him any questions about heart health.
