Carotid Endarterectomy
Carotid endarterectomy, or CEA, is surgery done to remove plaques from inside your carotid artery. The carotid artery is a blood vessel found in both sides of your neck. The artery is Y shaped and carries blood and oxygen to your brain. Plaques are fat, cholesterol or tissues that clog the inner wall of your artery. When plaques build up inside your carotid artery, blood flow to your brain may be decreased. A part of the plaque may also break free and move to other parts of your body.
CEA may be done to prevent problems caused by a narrowed or blocked artery, including stroke (brain attack). If you have had a stroke, CEA may be done to decrease your risk of having another stroke.
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