Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Carotid artery surgery - series: Indications

 Indications

Carotid artery surgery - series
Illustrations:

  • Normal anatomy
  • Indications
  • Procedure
  • Aftercare

    • When the carotid arteries become blocked with cholesterol plaques (atherosclerotic plaques), blood flow to the brain is compromised. Also, small pieces of plaque can break off and block small arteries in the brain. This blockage of the blood vessels can cause transient-ischemic attacks and strokes.

    Update Date: 9/25/2008

    Updated by: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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