Carotid artery surgery

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the right artery

Arterial tear in internal carotid artery

Atherosclerosis of internal carotid artery

Arterial plaque build-up

Carotid artery surgery - series

Overview

Recovery

Risks

Carotid artery surgery

Alternative Names:

Carotid endarterectomy

Expectations after surgery:

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.

Convalescence:

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: 7/14/2004
Reviewed By: Norman S. Kato, MD, Surgeon with the Cardiac Care Medical Group, Encino, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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