Home 
Prevention Preventing a stroke Surgery
Prevention Preventing a stroke Surgery
Surgery |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stroke prevention through surgery The two carotid arteries are the main arteries carrying blood to the brain. They can become narrowed at a point in the neck by a build up of cholesterol and other fatty material termed “plaque”. If your carotid arteries have become partially blocked, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain, you may be advised to have an operation called a carotid endarterectomy. Carotid endarterectomy involves removing the plaque from the area of narrowing and opening the artery. This improves blood flow to the brain and lowers the risk of blood clots or pieces of plaque breaking off and blocking blood flow. It is useful for people who have severe, but not total, blockage of their carotid arteries. Sometimes both carotid arteries need surgery, but they are usually done one at a time in separate operations. Though the results are usually very good, the carotid endarterectomy operation itself carries with it a small risk of causing stroke. In expert surgical hands, however, the benefits from the surgery outweigh the risks. As with any major surgical procedure, carefully discuss the situation with your doctors before making a decision. |
|
| Last Updated ( Friday, 21 September 2007 ) |
Resources
ABN 420 061 733 79 - © 2010 National Stroke Foundation - Australia.