A carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to open or clean the carotid artery with the goal of stroke prevention. It is a durable procedure but not a cure; though rare, blockage can accumulate again.

Your vascular surgeon may recommend you have a carotid endarterectomy if you have:

• A moderate (50-79%) blockage of a carotid artery and are experiencing symptoms such as stroke, mini-stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack). 
• A severe (80% or more) blockage even if you have no symptoms.

A carotid endarterectomy is performed in a sterile surgical suite or standard operating room. You may go home the same day or stay 1–2 nights after the procedure depending on your medical condition. 

• You receive a local anesthetic or general anesthesia. 
• Your vascular surgeon makes an incision at the front of your neck. 
• After removing the plaque from the artery your vascular surgeon repairs the artery by stitching in a natural graft (formed from a piece of vein from elsewhere in your body) or a woven patch. 
• The incision is closed.