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Carotid artery surgery
Definition:
Carotid artery surgery is a surgical procedure to restore adequate blood flow to the brain. Alternative Names:
Carotid endarterectomy Text Continues Below
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. When the internal carotid arteries become blocked by fat and cholesterol build-up of atherosclerosis (also called plaque) can result. Over time, the plaque slowly begins to block the flow of blood. The plaque itself may block the artery enough to cause a stroke. In addition, the plaque often causes the blood to flow abnormally, which leads to a blood clot. A clot can stay at the site of narrowing and prevent blood flow to all of the smaller arteries it supplies. This type of clot, which doesn't travel, is called a thrombus. In other cases, the clot can travel and wedge into a smaller vessel. A clot that travels is called an embolism. If you develop a thrombus in the internal carotid artery or an embolism in a smaller blood vessel, you may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, slurred speech, or weakness (all signs of stroke). By restoring adequate blood flow to the internal carotid artery, strokes can be prevented. This may be accomplished either by a surgery called endarterectomy or a procedure known as angioplasty with stent placement. Traditionally used for the heart, this latter procedure is now being used on blood vessels to the brain as well. Stent placement is an alternative to surgery that enlarges the blockage in the artery. This new technique must only be performed by an experienced physician.
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