CAROTID ENDARTERECTOMY: SURGERY TO REMOVE ARTERIAL PLAQUE

WHAT IS CAROTID ENDARTERECTOMY?

Carotid endarterectomy is a type of surgery used to remove plaque from the carotid artery. It is the third most common kind of cardiovascular surgery

During the operation, the surgeon peels the plaque away from the carotid artery. Once the plaque is removed from the carotid artery, more oxygen-rich blood can flow through the artery to the brain, reducing the risk of stroke.

WHEN IS CAROTID ENDARTERECTOMY RECOMMENDED?

Your doctor may want you to have a carotid endarterectomy:

If a carotid artery is narrowed 70% or more and if the narrowing may have caused:

• A transient ischemic attack (TIA) or "mini-stroke." TIAs are episodes of dizziness, tingling, numbness, blurred vision, confusion, or paralysis that can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.
• A stroke marked by loss of vision, persistent weakness, or paralysis.

If you have not had a TIA or stroke, but your carotid arteries are narrowed 80% or more. Not everybody is suitable for this surgery as it is risky, please consult a doctor for expert opinion and other surgical options.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Before surgery, you may have to have an electrocardiogram, blood tests, urine tests, and a chest x- ray to give your surgeon the latest information about your health.

Small metal disks called electrodes will be attached to your chest. These electrodes are connected to an electrocardiogram machine, which will monitor your heart's rhythm and electrical activity. You will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area where a plastic tube (called a line) will be inserted in an artery in your wrist. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted in your vein. The IV line will give you the anesthesia during the operation, which will put you to sleep.

The surgeon will make an incision in the neck to get to the carotid artery. The surgeon places a shunt into the artery above and below the blockage. The shunt lets blood flow around the blockage to nourish the brain. The surgeon then peels the plaque from the inside of the carotid artery. When all of the plaque is removed, the shunt is removed, and the incision in the artery is closed by stitching a patch of fabric or vein into the incision.

A carotid endarterectomy can also be done by a technique that does not require blood flow to be rerouted. In this procedure, the surgeon stops the blood flow just long enough to peel the blockage away from the artery.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME?

You can expect to stay in the hospital for about 1 to 3 days, including 1 day in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). During that time in the hospital, you will need to lie flat and not move your head too much. You may find that your neck aches and this may last for up to 2 weeks. Try to avoid physically demanding activities for about 1 week. It may take as long as 2 weeks before you are totally healed.

WHY KIMS?

KIMS, one of the best cardiac hospitals in Hyderabad, is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a team of doctors and caregivers who are among the country's best providers of cardiovascular care. Our best heart specialist doctors in Hyderabad deliver rapid, accurate, and advanced assessment and treatment for patients with cerebrovascular diseases, including carotid endarterectomy for stroke prevention, as well as stroke treatment and coronary disease treatment.

Combining innovative and compassionate care with leading-edge research into new treatments for artery disease and therapies for other cardiovascular conditions, KIMS has earned a reputation as one of the top cardiovascular centers in the country. Now, our best heart doctors are also available in Hi-Tech City.