MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Carotid artery surgery

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Carotid artery surgery - series: Indications

Carotid artery surgery - seriesIllustrations:

Normal anatomy

Indications

Procedure

Aftercare

When the carotid arteries become blocked with cholesterol plaques (atherosclerotic plaques), blood flow to the brain is compromised. Also, small pieces of plaque can break off and block small arteries in the brain. This blockage of the blood vessels can cause transient-ischemic attacks and strokes.

Update Date: 7/14/2006

Updated by: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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