What is a carotid endarterectomy (CEA)?
For some patients with carotid artery disease, the surgical removal of the plaque within the carotid artery (the artery that supplies blood to the brain) may be recommended. This procedure is called a carotid endarterectomy. Carotid endarterectomy is the most commonly performed surgical treatment for carotid artery disease.
Why is this procedure performed? Why do I need this procedure?
Carotid endarterectomy may be recommended for patients who have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a mild stroke due to significant carotid artery disease. For these individuals, carotid endarterectomy can be highly beneficial in preventing future strokes.
CEA may also be recommended if the carotid artery has severe narrowing or blockage in the absence of the above symptoms. In this case, an individual is at risk for embolization, where debris in the area of narrowing can break off and head upstream into a blood vessel in the brain blocking the supply of oxygen to cells in the brain. To reduce this risk, CEA is done to open the artery and allow blood flow to the brain. In such instances, a stroke could occur if patient does not receive treatment for carotid artery disease.
The decision to proceed with surgical therapy has to be made on an individual basis by the patient and his or her physician.
If a patient has a stroke, it is important to get to an Emergency Room to obtain prompt medical treatment within three to six hours. For more information on stroke, visit here.
Where is the procedure performed and who performs carotid endarterectomy?
This procedure is performed in the hospital surgical suite by a vascular surgeon.
What are the risks and potential complications of the procedure?
As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, there is minimal risk for bleeding, infection, blood clots, brain damage, stroke or heart attack.
The risks of this procedure vary, depending on the severity of your carotid artery disease, location of the blockage, whether you've had a previous stroke and the presence of other coexisting medical conditions. Special precautions are taken to decrease these risks, and there may be other possible risks. When you meet with your doctor, please ask questions to make sure you understand the risks of the procedure and why the procedure is recommended.
Outcomes for Carotid Endarterectomy at Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic's Department of Vascular Surgery is recognized throughout the world for its success with carotid endarterectomy and its many published reports concerning this operation. During the past 10 years, members of the department have performed CEA in 2,637 patients with an in-hospital mortality rate of only 0.5 percent and a stroke risk of just 1.7 percent. The average length of stay in the hospital following CEA is only two days.
How do I prepare for carotid endarterectomy?
A few days before the procedure, pre-procedure tests may be performed to ensure that it is safe to perform the surgery. Your surgeon may order a cerebral angiogram to better define your brain anatomy. A cerebral angiogram is an invasive diagnostic test that is used to produce X-ray pictures of the inside of blood vessels in the head.
You may need to discontinue certain medications before the procedure. Your health care team will provide specific instructions to help you prepare for the procedure. Nearly all patients will remain on aspirin through the procedure. It is important to check with your physician before stopping aspirin or plavix, if you are on these medications.
What happens during the procedure?
A carotid endarterectomy is performed either under general anesthesia (the patient is asleep) or under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.
During a carotid endarterectomy, the surgeon reduces the risk of stroke from the operation by shunting (using a plastic tube to re-route blood flow to the brain) and monitoring the patient carefully. While the patient is under anesthesia, an incision is made in the neck, at the location of the blockage. The surgeon may insert a tube into the artery above and below the atherosclerotic plaque in order to temporarily reroute blood flow around the blockage or narrowing and isolate the area. The surgeon then makes a length-wise incision along the portion of the artery containing the plaque. The plaque is removed and in some cases, the diseased portions of the vessel are also removed. When the plaque removal is complete, the surgeon stitches the vessel closed and then removes the tube. Blood flow to the brain is restored through its normal path.
How long does the procedure last?
The carotid endarterectomy normally takes approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours and is extremely well-tolerated by most patients.
What happens after the procedure?
Recovery from the procedure is rapid, as most patients are discharged home the day after the procedure.
Are there any side effects of a carotid endarterectomy?
While the operation can result in some postoperative neck pain, most of this can be relieved with standard, over-the-counter pain medications, such as extra strength Tylenol.
Results of the procedure
Your doctor will discuss the results of the procedure with you. For most people, this procedure helps prevent further brain damage and reduces the risk of stroke. However, unless patients adopt a healthier lifestyle, plaque buildup, clot formation and other problems in the carotid arteries can return.
How do I find out if I am a candidate for a carotid endarterectomy?
To find out if you are a candidate for this procedure, please call the Vascular Surgery Department at 216.444.4508 or 800.223.2273, ext. 44508.
Reviewed by Dr. Mehdi Shishehbor and Dr. Daniel Clair
This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace
the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider.
Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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