Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)
The time-tested operation to lower stroke risk.
Overview
What it is
Carotid endarterectomy removes plaque from the carotid artery in the neck through a small incision, reducing the risk of stroke. It is a durable, well-established operation for significant carotid narrowing.
When it’s recommended
- Significant carotid artery narrowing
- Recent stroke or TIA from carotid disease
- Patients suited to open surgery
How it’s performed
Every plan is individualized and reviewed by our multidisciplinary aortic team.
Imaging confirms the degree of narrowing
The artery is opened and plaque removed
The artery is closed, often with a patch
Blood flow to the brain is restored
Recovery
Recovery & follow-up
Most patients stay one night and recover quickly, with follow-up imaging of the carotid arteries.
Why the Baylor Medicine Center for Aortic Surgery
Complex aortic care is safest in experienced hands. Dr. Oderich and the Center bring more than 7,000 open and endovascular aortic repairs of experience, advanced imaging, and a multidisciplinary team to every case.