The carotid arteries are the main arteries of the neck. These arteries can become narrowed with fatty deposits (“plaque”), which can reduce blood flow to the brain. In addition, tiny bits of plaque can break free and travel as “emboli” through the carotid artery. If emboli enter the smaller vessels in the brain, they can block the flow of blood and cause a stroke.

Carotid endarterectomy is surgery to reopen a narrowed carotid artery. The surgeon removes plaque, reopens and smoothes the carotid artery – which reduces the chance of emboli forming.

• Eat and sleep well before surgery. Proper nutrition and eight hours of sleep per night can help speed the healing process after surgery.
• Stop smoking. The sooner you stop smoking, the better your circulation and breathing will be – which will aid the healing process.
• List all medications you are taking. Include non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and other remedies on your list. Give this list to your medical team. Ask if, and when, you should stop taking any of these medications before the surgery.
• Tell your medical team if you are taking aspirin or blood thinners. They may ask you to stop taking them before the surgery to prevent excessive bleeding.
• Tell your medical team about any food or medicine allergies.
• Report any sicknesses. If you have any illness or a cold or sore throat, let your medical team know.
• Plan ahead. Arrange your home so you will be comfortable after surgery. Put common items within easy reach. Make sure phone numbers of family and friends and your medical team are easily accessible.
• Ask someone to stay with you after your surgery if you live alone. Just for the first few days.
• Arrange for someone to take you to the hospital and drive you home.

Before you check in:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes food, water, ice chips, alcohol, chewing gum or hard candy. Doing this prevents any stomach contents from getting into your lungs during surgery.
• Do not smoke before your surgery
• Take only the medications you have been told to take the morning of the surgery. Use just enough water to swallow your pills – two to three tablespoons at the most.

• You’ll be under general anesthesia, "put to sleep," for the duration of the surgery.
• Your surgeon will keep your family informed about the progress of your surgery.

• You’ll wake in an intensive care unit (ICU) or a heart monitoring floor where you will remain under careful observation until you are discharged.
• Your family will be able to visit after the nursing staff has settled you in place in the unit or floor
• You should be able to go home in a day or two. You’ll be able to move comfortably, but will need to avoid heavy lifting or driving for a week.
• Tips for recovery at home:
  • Be patient with tiredness. It takes time to regain your energy and appetite.
  • It is important to keep your wound clean. We recommend daily showers.
  • Some operations may require out-patient cardiac rehabilitation to help recovery.
  • Lifting and driving may be restricted for a time.

Other procedures for this sub-specialty

• Cardiac Surgery: Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
• Cardiac Surgery: Coronary Artery Bypass
• Cardiac Surgery: Valve Repair/Replacement
• Thoracic Surgery: Minimally-Invasive Esophageal Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery: Minimally-Invasive Lung Operations
• Thoracic Surgery: Operations for Lung Cancer
• Transplant Surgery: Heart Transplant