Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove built-up plaque (fatty cholesterol deposits) and the inner lining of a carotid artery (blood vessels in your neck).

You may have this procedure if you have a blockage in an artery (carotid artery disease). If a blockage isn't treated, you could have a stroke, because carotid arteries carry most of the blood to your brain and head. You're at the highest risk of carotid artery disease if you're 65 or older.

What You Need to Know

• A carotid endarterectomy usually involves a hospital stay of two to three days. This includes one day before the procedure and 24 hours in intensive care after the procedure.
• Some Baptist Health locations offer Fast Track Carotid Endarterectomy. This means you don't have to be admitted to prepare for your procedure. Instead, you're admitted to the hospital after your surgery. We teach you what to expect and how to prepare before your procedure.
• You're cared for in a monitored vascular unit after surgery.
• Typically, you go home the day after surgery.