Carotid Endarterectomy

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Carotid Endarterectomy

Carotid Endarterectomy (pronunciation: kuh-ROT-id end-ART-er-ek-toh-mee) is a surgical procedure performed to reduce the risk of stroke by correcting stenosis (narrowing) in the common carotid artery or internal carotid artery.

Etymology

The term "Carotid Endarterectomy" is derived from the Greek words 'karōtis' meaning 'drowsiness' (referring to the carotid artery's role in supplying blood to the brain), 'endon' meaning 'within', 'arteria' meaning 'windpipe, artery', and 'ektome' meaning 'excision'.

Procedure

The procedure involves the removal of atherosclerotic plaque from the carotid artery. A small incision is made in the neck where the carotid artery divides into the internal and external carotid arteries. The surgeon then removes the inner lining of the carotid artery that is blocked by plaque, thereby restoring normal blood flow to the brain.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, Carotid Endarterectomy carries certain risks and potential complications. These may include stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attack), hematoma (a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel), nerve injury, and infection.

Related Terms

  • Atherosclerosis: A disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries.
  • Stenosis: The abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body.
  • Stroke: A condition that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain.
  • Myocardial Infarction: Another term for heart attack.
  • Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of a blood vessel.
  • Nerve Injury: Damage caused to a nerve or nerves.
  • Infection: The invasion of an organism's body tissues by disease-causing agents.

External links

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