How Serious Is A Carotid Artery Surgery?

Carotid artery surgery is a surgery to treat carotid artery disease. The carotid artery is the main artery present on both sides of the neck that supplies blood to the brain and face. A buildup of the fatty substance (plaques) can block the blood flow in the carotid arteries entirely or partially, resulting in a stroke. Carotid artery surgery restores proper blood flow to the brain. There are two types of carotid artery surgery:

• Carotid endarterectomy
• Angioplasty with stent placement

Carotid artery surgery is ideal in these cases:

• When the carotid artery is severely blocked with a previous history of stroke or mini-stroke
• When there is a moderate blockage in the carotid artery with a history of stroke or mini-stroke
• When there is a severe blockage, but there is no history of stroke or mini-stroke

Before the procedure:

You should enlist your medical and medication history to the physician. Tell the physician about what drugs you are taking, even nonprescription medicines or herbs. Before the surgery, you should:

• Ask your physician about the drugs to be taken on the day of the surgery
• Inform the physician if you are on blood thinners
• Inform the physician if you have a cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or any illness
• Stop smoking a few days before the procedure
• Stop drinking or eating anything after midnight the night before your procedure
• Stop taking antiarrhythmic medications several days before the surgery
• Ask the doctor about any precautions if you have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator

During a carotid endarterectomy:

• You may receive general anesthesia or local anesthesia along with a sedative to make you relax throughout the procedure
• You have to lie on your side on the operating table, the side where the blocked artery is present
• The physician makes a cut in the neck to expose the carotid artery
• After exposing the artery by shifting the structures of the neck, the physician makes a cut in the artery
• To divert the blood flow around the surgery, the physician places a shunt
• After placing the shunt, the physician removes the plaque from the artery
• Next, the physician removes the shunt and close the artery with stitches
• Finally, the physician places a small tube in the neck to drain the blood
• The physician applies a sterile bandage or dressing at the site

During an angioplasty:

• During an angioplasty, the physician passes a catheter through a small incision (cut) made on the leg, arm, or wrist.
• A tiny balloon attached to the catheter would blow up and push through the blockage.
• Finally, the physician places a wire mesh (stent) in this blocked area. The stent is left in the artery to keep it open.

After the procedure:

• The drain will be removed 24 hours after the surgery
• You may have to stay overnight in the hospital

After going home:

• Avoid physical activity for 3-4 weeks
• Don’t drive for 24 hours
• Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours after you leave the hospital
• Shower immediately