What surgical treatment is often used for carotid stroke?

Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure that specifically aims to reduce the risk of stroke caused by narrowed carotid arteries. The carotid arteries, located on either side of the neck, supply blood to the brain, and their narrowing can lead to insufficient blood flow, increasing the likelihood of a stroke.

During this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision along the neck and opens the carotid artery to remove the plaque that is causing the blockage. This helps restore proper blood flow to the brain and significantly lowers the risk of stroke in patients who have severe carotid artery stenosis.

This treatment is especially effective for patients with symptoms, such as transient ischemic attacks or mild strokes, as well as for those with significant asymptomatic stenosis. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of endarterectomy includes numerous studies showing improved outcomes when compared to non-surgical management, particularly in certain high-risk groups.

While thrombectomy revolves around removing a clot that is causing an acute stroke and might be relevant in certain cases, it does not specifically address the underlying issue of narrowed arteries leading to strokes. Embolism therapy tends to involve methods to prevent clots from forming or propagating but is not a surgical intervention for carotid artery stenosis. Lastly, cerebral bypass