
	A stroke can be caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, or as a result of blockage caused to arteries within the brain by small fragments that travel there from the damages arteries of the neck. The early stages of carotid disease, when there are not yet any signs of damage to the brain or the narrowing of the carotid artery is still less than 70%, treatment is offered by way of a variety of medications aimed at halting the progression of the disease.

In cases where the patient has already suffered even a minor stroke, and the degree of narrowing of the carotid is 70% or more, there is need for surgical intervention to remove the blockage and prevent an additional stroke which could be a more severe one.

Carotid surgery is performed through a small incision to the neck area and includes the removal of the internal layer of the carotid artery, causing the damage. By this means the full available diameter of the carotid is restored.

Rates of success and adverse effects

The rates of success for carotid surgery are very high, however they also entail certain risks, as with any invasive procedure. In the process of surgery there is a risk of coronary attack or stroke. And as with any other surgical procedure, there is the risk of bleeding, infection, and nervous damage. The mortality rate of this procedure is 3%. The rate of risk can be increased even further as a result of the condition of the carotid artery and the existence of other risk factors, such as coronary artery disease.

Diseases of the Carotid artery

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