Carotid Artery Surgery

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Overview & Description

Each side of the neck has an artery called the common carotid. Each common carotid splits into two branches, the internal branch which brings oxygen-rich blood to the brain, and the external branch, which brings blood to the face.

Blockage of the internal carotid artery can reduce blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke. Blockage of the external carotid artery usually causes no problems.

When the internal carotid arteries become blocked by fat and cholesterol build-up as a result of atherosclerosis, the patient may experience symptoms, such as blurred vision, slurred speech, or weakness (all signs of stroke). By removing the fat and cholesterol build-up inside the artery, adequate blood flow is restored and strokes can be prevented.

Most surgeons use general anesthetics (patient is unconscious and painfree). An incision is made in the neck over the blocked carotid artery. The surgeon opens the carotid artery and removes the fat and cholesterol build-up. The artery is stitched closed with sutures.

There are various techniques surgeons use during surgery to reduce the risk of stroke during the operation. These include shunting (using a plastic tube to re-route blood flow to the brain), EEG monitoring, or even doing the operation under local anesthetic so the patient can talk to the surgeon during the procedure.