Carotid Artery Surgery Specialist

Why would I need carotid artery surgery?

Carotid artery surgery treats carotid artery disease, which develops when plaque builds up on the arteries’ walls. The plaque prevents blood from flowing efficiently through your arteries.

Your carotid arteries are on each side of your neck and supply your brain and face with blood. When plaque collects in these arteries, it increases your risk of suffering a stroke.

To prevent stroke and other health complications, the Mission Surgical Clinic team offers carotid artery surgery.

What is involved in carotid artery surgery?

There are two kinds of carotid artery surgery available at Mission Surgical Clinic to remove blockages and restore healthy blood flow:

Carotid endarterectomy

During carotid endarterectomy, your surgeon makes an incision over your carotid artery and places a flexible tube (catheter) inside. The catheter redirects blood flow around the blockage while your surgeon opens the carotid artery and removes the built-up plaque.

Angioplasty with stent placement

During angioplasty, the surgeon makes an incision in your groin. A catheter is inserted through the incision and guided through an artery into your neck. Your surgeon used fluoroscopy, a real-time X-ray technology, to guide the catheter.

Once the catheter reaches the blockage in your carotid artery, your surgeon guides another catheter to the artery that contains a small balloon. The balloon is gently inflated to widen your carotid artery so that blood can flow unrestricted.

In some cases, a stent (a mesh metal tube) will be permanently placed in the artery to hold it open.

After they open your artery, the team deflates and removes the balloon and both catheters.

How long does it take to recover from carotid artery surgery?

In some cases, you can go home soon after carotid artery surgery. In other cases, you’ll need to spend the night in the hospital. This allows the Mission Surgical Clinic team to monitor your heart rate and ensure that no complications arise after surgery. The team will tell you what to expect at your consultation before surgery.

After your surgery is done, it will take time for the incision in your neck or groin to heal. The surgical team will show you how to care for the incision to prevent infection.

To prevent new blockages from forming in your carotid arteries, you’ll be expected to make lifestyle and dietary changes that prevent the plaque from building up. This can include quitting smoking, eating a healthy, low-fat diet, and getting daily exercise.

To find out more about the benefits of carotid artery surgery, call the Mission Surgical Clinic office nearest you or book a consultation online today.