Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits build up in the carotid arteries. Carotid arteries are blood vessels located on each side of the neck. The buildup can lead to atherosclerosis, or restricted blood flow to the brain. Removing the plaque buildup can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of stroke. At Shaheen Vascular, Dr. Shaheen offers Arterial Endarterectomy in order to remove plaque build up within the arteries and restore overall health.
Arterial endarterectomy is the most commonly performed surgical treatment for carotid artery disease. It is a specialized procedure that is performed to remove plaque buildup in the carotid arteries and restore healthy blood flow. Arterial endarterectomy is suggested for patients who have severe narrowing in the carotid artery. There are several factors to consider regarding the degree of blockage within the artery. The procedure involves opening the artery and turning it inside out to better remove the plaque. The artery is then safely reattached and the blood flow is restored.
Although any surgical procedure may seem nerve racking, Dr. Shaheen possesses the expertise and provides exceptional patient care to support you throughout each step of the treatment process.
Following analysis and testing, a personalized plan is created that is tailored to your specific needs. During the procedure, numbing medication or general anesthesia is administered. A small incision is then made along the neck to access the carotid artery. A technique may be used to turn the artery inside out. This technique refers to a method known as eversion carotid endarterectomy. The plaque deposits that are clogging the artery are then gently removed. Once the plaque is eliminated, the artery is repaired using stitches or a patch composed of artificial vein material to widen the artery and prevent narrowing from occurring again. The artery is then reattached – completing the surgery. The result is restored blood flow to the brain through its normal path.
The procedure typically takes about 1 and a half to 2 hours. The recovery process is rapid and most patients are able to return home the day after the procedure. For a majority of patients, the procedure helps prevent further brain damage and decreases the risk of stroke.
If you are interested in learning more about arterial endarterectomy, reach out to the caring professionals at Shaheen Vascular located in Mountain View, CA. Contact us today and schedule your consultation!