Carotid Endarterectomy 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. 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 ...