Lecture Notes: Carotid Arteries and Carotid Endarterectomy

Carotid Arteries

• Major blood vessels that supply blood to the head
• Two carotid arteries, one on each side of the neck
• Branches of Carotid Arteries:
  • External Carotid Arteries: Supply face, scalp, and neck
  • Internal Carotid Arteries: Supply the brain

Carotid Stenosis

• Definition: Progressive narrowing of carotid arteries caused by fatty deposits or cholesterol plaques
• Effects:
  • Restricted blood flow to the brain
  • Possible rupture of plaques leading to blood clots and complete blockage
  • Stroke: Occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted or seriously reduced

Carotid Endarterectomy

• Purpose: Surgical procedure to remove plaques from a carotid artery
• Goal: Prevent strokes
• Recommendation: Typically for patients with symptoms of reduced blood flow (e.g., mini-strokes or transient ischemic attacks)
  • Symptoms: Dizziness, numbness, confusion, paralysis

Procedure Details

1. Incision made in the neck to access the artery
2. Clamps temporarily stop blood flow through the affected segment
3. Small tube (shunt) may be used to reroute blood flow to the brain
4. Incision made in the artery and plaques are removed
5. Shunt is removed and incisions are closed

Effectiveness and Risks

• Effective in preventing future strokes
• Risks: Higher in patients with poor overall health