Endarterectomy

What is an endarterectomy?

An endarterectomy is a kind of blood vessel surgery. This surgery opens blocked blood vessels by removing plaque buildup from inside the artery wall. This allows blood to flow more freely through your arterias. An endarterectomy is usually done to clear plaque from two types of vessels:

• The carotid arterias in the neck-to reduce your risk of stroke
• The peripheral arterias in the legs and arms-to relieve pain

An endarterectomy is a surgery that usually requires general anesthesia.

How is the surgery done?

The endarterectomy is done at the location of the blocked blood vessel. But regardless of the location, the surgery is done the same way.

For example, to reach a blocked carotid artery, your doctor makes an incision in your neck. After finding the blockage, your doctor inserts a tube, called a shunt, above and below the blockage. The shunt re-routes the blood around the blockage during the surgery. Your doctor takes the plaque out with a special instrument. After removing the shunt, your doctor stitches your carotid artery and your incision closed.

What can I expect?

Usually you are told not to eat or drink anything for a number of hours before your surgery. You lie on an exam table and an intravenous (IV) line is put into your arm. The IV delivers fluids and medications during the surgery. You are then wheeled into the operating room. Usually you are given medication that makes you unconscious during the surgery. After surgery you may spend 1-2 days in the hospital. For a couple of weeks after you get out of the hospital, it’s important not to move your neck too quickly or too often.