Carotid Endarterectomy

During carotid endarterectomy, your surgeon:

Makes a cut in your neck just below the jaw.
Opens the carotid artery and carefully removes the plaque.
May sew (graft) a man-made or tissue patch onto the carotid artery to help close the cut.
Closes the artery and skin incisions with stitches.

Current as of: September 7, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Robert A. Kloner MD, PhD - Cardiology
Caroline S. Rhoads MD - Internal Medicine

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.