How to Clean Out a Carotid Artery Blockage

Cleaning out a carotid artery involves a surgical procedure called a carotid endarterectomy. The procedure is normally indicated when there is more than 70 percent blockage in the artery. Cleaning the artery is intended to reduce the risk of stroke. The operation is conducted by a vascular surgeon while the patient is under general anesthesia.

Instructions

• 1

  The vascular surgeon cuts open the side of the neck and isolates the carotid artery, easing it apart from other blood vessels, nerves and muscle tissue.

• 2

  The carotid artery is closed with clamps to prevent hemorrhage. A stent may be used to bypass the artery while it is opened and then being cleaned.

• 3

  The endarterectomy involves precise scraping of the artery's interior to remove the blockage, which is typically a plaque formed of lipids (insoluble fats), triglycerides (a chemical form of fat) and cholesterol. Smoking, diet and hypertension are believed to be common factors that contribute to carotid artery disease.

• 4

  The artery clamps are removed and the neck incision is stitched.

• 5

  The surgeon sutures the patient's neck and the patient is hospitalized for three to four days of recovery to monitor progress and gauge the success of the operation.