Why you might need a carotid endarterectomy
You may need a carotid endarterectomy if you have carotid artery disease.
Carotid artery disease is where 1 or both carotid arteries in your neck is narrowed by a build-up of fatty material (atherosclerosis).
The narrowing of your arteries restricts the blood flow. This increases the chance of a small piece of fatty material breaking off and travelling up to your eye or brain.
If this happens, your risk of having a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is also increased. Removing the fatty material lowers this risk.
You may not need a carotid endarterectomy if the narrowing of your arteries is mild. Other treatments, such as medicines to thin your blood and lower your cholesterol, may be recommended.
If you have symptoms of a stroke or symptoms of a TIA and your carotid artery is more than 50% narrowed, you’ll need a carotid endarterectomy as soon as possible.
If you do not have any symptoms but your carotid artery is more than 50% narrowed, you may still need to have a carotid endarterectomy.
If both carotid arteries are narrowed, you may need 2 separate operations a few weeks apart.