How does endovascular stenting differ from a carotid endarterectomy?
A. A carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the carotid artery is exposed and plaque is removed, thereby reducing the risk of a thrombus breaking off and interrupting blood flow to the brain. Patients are often hospitalized for 48 hours after the procedure. Complication rates for carotid endarterectomy are approximately 3 percent.