Carotid Endarterectomy | Surgical Removal Plaque | MedStar Health

Surgical removal of plaque buildup in the carotid artery

This is a common treatment for carotid artery disease, in which fatty deposits known as plaque cause the large blood vessels in your neck to narrow or become blocked.

The surgeons in our Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Program provide leading expertise in treating carotid disease. Your doctor may recommend carotid endarterectomy if you have severe narrowing of a vessel or are at risk for a stroke.

Procedure

You may be asked not to eat or drink before the procedure. Ask your doctor if you should take your regular medications. Your doctor will discuss sedation options before the procedure, which may include local anesthesia (the neck area is numbed and you will be awake) or general anesthesia (you will be asleep with a breathing tube inserted).

The surgeon will make an incision in your neck. The surgeon will then open the diseased artery and remove the plaque that is causing the blockage. Finally, the artery will be closed to restore normal blood flow.

The procedure takes 1 and a half to 2 hours and you should be able to go home the next day.

Conditions

Carotid Aneurysms

An extracranial carotid artery aneurysm is a bulge that weakens the walls of the main artery in your neck and may create blood clots that can result in a stroke.

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease, also known as carotid artery stenosis, occurs when fatty deposits known as plaque cause the carotid arteries to narrow or become blocked.

Tests

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Carotid Duplex Ultrasound

Carotid duplex ultrasound uses Doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries that supply blood to your brain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Our locations

Distance from Change locationEnter your location

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

5601 Loch Raven Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21239

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

7503 Surratts Rd.
Clinton, MD 20735

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

201 E. University Pkwy.
Baltimore, MD 21218

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9000 Franklin Square Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21237

MedStar St Mary's Hospital

25500 Point Lookout Rd.
Leonardtown, MD 20650

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18101 Prince Philip Dr.
Olney, MD 20832

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

110 Irving St. NW
Washington, DC 20010

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

3800 Reservoir Rd. NW
Washington, DC, 20007

Additional information

Vascular and Endovascular Program

Partner with a recognized leader in offering care ranging from straightforward vascular disease to the most complex vascular disorders.

Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.