The carotid arteries are a pair of arteries that travel from the body’s main blood vessel, the aorta, through the neck and towards the head, where they supply blood to the brain. Over time, plaque can build up in one or both of the carotid arteries, narrowing them. This plaque build-up can lead to stroke. Carotid endarterectomy is a surgery designed to remove plaque in the carotid artery and reduce the patient’s risk of stroke. Depending on the size of the blockage at the time of surgery, this risk reduction can be as high as 16%.
UR Medicine Cardiac Care includes surgeons specially trained to provide full care for all diseases involving the blood vessels of the brain. They are members of a multidisciplinary team that also includes Stroke Neurologists and Neuroradiologists. The team meets regularly to discuss all aspects of patients with complex problems.
For details on carotid endarterectomy surgery at UR Medicine, contact us at (585) 275-2525.