Why does a carotid endarterectomy need to be done?
Endarterectomy is done to remove the plaque buildup that causes narrowing (stenosis) in the carotid artery. The procedure may be offered: • When the blockage is severe, even when it doesn’t cause symptoms. • Following a stroke or transient ischemic attack, or TIA. In a TIA, or mini-stroke, symptoms completely disappear. What tests lead up to the procedure? There are different tests that look at your carotid arteries to see whether they are blocked. Your doctor may first listen to the blood flow in your neck with a stethoscope. Narrowing often creates a “swooshing” sound, called a bruit. If your doctor suspects narrowing, he or she will likely order more tests. Often an ultrasound is done next. This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the blood as it flows through the carotid arteries. Other imaging tests that may be done are computed tomography angiogram (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiogram. These tests allow the doctor to measure the plaque buildup in your carotid arteries
