Carotid Endarterectomy

It is an operation in which the surgeon removes an atherosclerotic plaque from the carotid artery. It restores normal blood flow to the brain and significantly reduces the risk of ischemic stroke.

Surgery is indicated for severe narrowing of the carotid artery, usually by more than 70%, especially with symptoms of impaired blood supply to the brain. The vascular surgeon determines the exact indications after an examination.

Dizziness, unsteady gait, noise in the head, sudden weakness or numbness of the arms and legs. Stenosis often causes no symptoms for a long time and is found on an ultrasound of the neck vessels.

A 4–6 cm incision is made on the neck, the affected section of the artery is exposed and the plaque is removed under microscopic optics. The artery is then sutured, directly or with a patch, blood flow is checked and a cosmetic suture is applied. The operation takes 1–1.5 hours.

Local (regional) or general anesthesia is used. The type of anesthesia is chosen individually after consulting an anesthesiologist.

It is a technique in which the artery is cut off, turned inside out, the plaque is removed and the artery is sewn back. The surgeon chooses the technique depending on the anatomy and the nature of the lesion.

Both methods relieve the narrowing but suit different patients. The choice depends on anatomy, the nature of the plaque, age and other diseases. The vascular surgeon decides after an examination.

Duplex ultrasound of the neck vessels, CT angiography of the brachiocephalic arteries, consultations with a vascular surgeon and an anesthesiologist, and an assessment of the patient’s overall condition.

In most cases the patient is discharged the next day if their condition is stable. Intensive care monitoring is usually not required.

With proper indications and preparation the risks are minimal. The operation is performed by experienced surgeons using modern equipment and microscopic optics.

Most patients return to their normal lives within a few days. It is important to take prescribed medications regularly, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol, follow a diet and see your physician.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease, so after surgery it is important to control risk factors and have follow-up neck ultrasound as recommended by your physician.

At Pirogov Clinic the operation can be performed free of charge under CHI or a federal quota. Paid treatment starts from 127,400 rubles.