Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a treatment for carotid artery disease that involves the surgical removal of atherosclerotic plaque from the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that carry oxygen and blood to the brain.

In carotid artery disease, these arteries become narrowed, reducing blood flow to the brain and possibly causing a stroke.

At Northwestern Medicine, CEA is performed as an open procedure through an incision in the neck, opening up the artery to allow for normal blood flow to the brain and preventing plaque or blood clots from traveling to the brain. Most patients are discharged from the hospital the day after surgery.

Learn more about carotid endarterectomy

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