Trusted Carotid Endarterectomy in Las Vegas, NV

During carotid endarterectomy, a surgeon removes plaque buildup from the carotid arteries. This procedure treats carotid artery disease and may help prevent stroke.

Find a surgeon online or by calling (702) 616-4900, who performs this procedure at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals.

 

When is Carotid Artery Surgery Necessary?

People with carotid artery disease have atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque along the walls of their carotid arteries. Plaque fragments that break off and enter the carotid artery can cause stroke. Narrowing arteries can reduce blood flow to the brain. Carotid endarterectomy removes plaque from the artery walls so blood can flow normally. Your doctor may recommend carotid endarterectomy if you have moderate carotid artery blockage (50 to 79 percent) and symptoms of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), mini-stroke, or stroke. You may also be a candidate for carotid endarterectomy if you have severe blockage (80 percent or more), even if you don’t have symptoms.

 

Understanding Your Carotid Endarterectomy Procedure

Carotid endarterectomies are surgical procedures performed in a hospital by a vascular surgeon.

Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals offers this at our San Martín and Siena campuses.You may be given general anesthesia or local anesthesia to numb the surgical area.

Through a small incision in your neck, your surgeon will clamp the artery to temporarily block blood flow. Then, he or she will cut a small opening in the artery and clean out the plaque from the inside of the artery. If necessary, your surgeon may keep the passage open by inserting a stent (small tube) into the artery. After closing the artery, the clamps are removed, allowing blood to flow freely through the artery.

Although they are not common, there are some risks involved with all surgical procedures. They may include:

Your doctor will tell you about possible complications and what you can do to help lower your risks.

 

Carotid Endarterectomy Recovery at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican Hospitals

You may have to stay in the hospital overnight or you may go home the same day. Carotid endarterectomy is not a cure for carotid artery disease. You will still need to watch for the signs of a stroke, such as changes in your speech and weakness on one side of your body, in case plaque builds up again.

You may have to take medications to reduce the risk of plaque buildup and help manage your condition. If necessary, your cardiologist may also ask you to make some lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet, losing weight, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking. At Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican, we offer classes and support groups to help you turn these changes into healthful habits.

Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican offers treatment for carotid artery disease, including carotid endarterectomy, in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.