This is a procedure to treat carotid artery stenosis, the other being minimally invasive carotid stenting. The disease occurs when fatty, waxy deposits build up in one of the carotid arteries. This build up of plaque (atherosclerosis) may restrict blood flow to the brain. Removing the plaque improves the blood flow and reduces the risk of stroke.

Procedure:

The procedure is done under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision along the front of the neck, opens the carotid artery and removes the plaque that blocks the artery. The artery is then repaired using a patch made of a vein (patch graft). There is another technique called eversion carotid endarterectomy. This entails cutting the carotid artery and turning it inside out and removing the plaque. The artery is then reattached.