Carotid surgery is necessary when there is blockage of the internal carotid artery. Carotid arteries, also called common carotid, are placed on each side of the neck. This carotid splits into branches called internal and external branch. Internal branch is responsible for taking oxygen rich blood to the brain while external branch supplies blood to the face. Blockage of the internal carotid can lead to stroke. This happens when the supply of blood to the brain is reduced considerably. The blockage of the internal carotid is caused by the build up of calcium, fat, cholesterol and other substances. Aside from blocking the internal carotid, this built up plaque can also hinder the flow of blood, thus resulting to blood clot.

Blood clot prevents the small arteries to get blood from the main vessel. Some blood clots travel, while others do not. Traveling clots are called embolism while those that do not travel are called thrombus. Thrombus affects the internal carotid while embolism does target the small arteries. You may know that you have them if you constantly experience blurred vision, weakness, slurred speech and the symptoms of stroke. Thrombus and embolism lead to stroke.

To prevent stroke, a person with a blocked carotid will have to undergo a carotid surgery which is also called a carotid endarterectomy. It is a form of medical operation which involves removal of the inner lining of the carotid. This procedure is done if the lining has become thickened or damaged. Carotid surgery removes the build up of plaque from the artery to restore the normal blood flow.

Carotid surgery can remove the build up of existing plaque in the carotid arteries. But even after the operation, the person is still prone to experience the same problem. The carotid surgery cannot prevent the build up of the plaque. It can only remove it. That is why a person has to be extra careful about his health. He should maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid eating too much food and beverages that can cause blockage. He should also stop smoking to avoid the same problem in the future. Typically, the attending physician will have information on hand that can help the patient make the necessary lifestyle changes that will help to keep the plaque under control. By observing the dietary guidelines, getting regular exercise and giving up tobacco, the patient can avoid the need to have a second round of this surgery.