Vascular surgeons at the University of Miami Health use carotid endarterectomy is treat carotid arteries narrowed due to carotid artery disease. There is a carotid artery located on each side of the neck; they are the main arteries that supply blood to the brain. Sometimes, one or both carotid arteries can become clogged with plaque (fatty deposits) that block blood flow to the brain. Stroke can result from this reduced blood flow.

Candidates

If you have severe narrowing of your carotid artery, your heart specialist may recommend you undergo carotid endarterectomy.

What to Expect

Depending on your exact situation, you may be under local anesthesia (numbing only the affected area) or under general anesthesia (fully asleep) for this procedure. Your vascular surgeon begins by making a small incision in the front of your neck, at the location of the blocked carotid artery. Your surgeon opens the artery, removes the plaque blocking it, and closes the artery with stitches or a graft (patch made of a vein or artificial surgical material).

You may be able to return home the same day of your endarterectomy, or you may have to stay overnight in the hospital for careful monitoring. You should make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home, due to the possible lingering effects of the anesthesia and sedative.

Why Choose UHealth?

Leading-edge imaging care in South Florida. Our doctors are also researchers discovering new ways to improve diagnosis and treatment. That means you can get some of today’s most promising advancements through clinical trials. You benefit from the latest developments that are fast-tracked from the lab to the bedside.

Advanced, hard-to-find procedures. Our doctors are committed to caring for every patient. That’s why they offer the latest treatments, including limb salvage, endovascular grafting and thoracic outlet decompression, to improve your blood flow. 

All the care you need, from one physician. Our vascular surgeons perform a wide range of procedures so you can have the same physician for any vascular care you need as your condition changes. Whether you need a stent replaced or a vein grafted, you can always turn to the doctor you trust.

Experienced doctors, reliable results. UHealth vascular surgeons perform hundreds of stent placements, angiograms and more every year. You can rely on their experience to help you avoid complications and have a positive outcome.