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Carotid endarterectomy is the surgical procedure that is used to
remove blockages that occur in carotid artery disease. It is performed by a specially trained doctor called a vascular surgeon. During a
carotid endarterectomy, an incision is made through the neck, exposing the carotid artery. Blood flow through the artery is temporarily
stopped, and an incision is made into the artery. The buildup of plaque that is blocking the vessel is then carefully removed. The incision
into the artery is sewn shut, and blood is once again able to flow freely through the artery. The neck incision is then closed.
Although a general anesthetic is sometimes required, carotid endarterectomy is often performed using a local anesthetic. If done with local
anesthetic, you will receive additional medication to help you relax and lie quietly while the surgery is being performed. The surgery typically
takes one and a half hours to complete, and most patients are ready to go home the day of the surgery.
If a carotid endarterectomy is recommended
for you, your vascular surgeon will discuss the procedure in greater detail with you and your family.
Peripheral bypass surgery
is another procedure that is performed to treat blockages
in the arteries in your extremities. Like carotid
endarterectomy, peripheral bypass surgery is performed by a
vascular surgeon. During
this surgery, a vein from your leg or a synthetic blood vessel
is used to go around the part of the artery that is blocked.
This piece of vein or synthetic material is called a graft.
One end of the graft is sewn into the affected artery beyond
the blockage and the other end is attached above the blockage.
Blood is then able to flow normally through the graft. If one
of your veins is used in this surgery, your body is able to
easily compensate for the loss of the vessel that is used.
The surgery typically takes two to four hours to complete. The total hospital stay typically varies between three to seven days during which you are
encouraged to gradually increase your activity. Specific aftercare will be explained to you in detail. It will likely include a recommendation that
you participate in an exercise program. You will also receive information on the things you can do to help keep
your bypasses and you healthy.
If peripheral bypass surgery is recommended for you, your vascular surgeon will discuss the procedure in detail with you and your family.
Aneurysm
repair is surgery that is done to correct a weakening in the
wall of an artery, frequently the aorta. This surgery is performed
by a vascular surgeon
in the operating room. During this procedure, blood flow through
the artery is temporarily stopped. The aneurysm is then repaired
in one of three ways. The affected area may be opened up and
a synthetic graft is sown into place becoming a new inner lining
for the artery. It may also be "patched" with a special synthetic
material that acts as a permanent Band-Aid. Or a new technique,
using a stent-graft
to repair the aneurysm is available. This procedure uses catheters
that go through the groin to place a synthetic graft, fixed
in place by stents, becoming a new inner lining for the artery.
This avoids large incisions and patients often go home much
sooner, one to two days after surgery. Your vascular surgeon
will decide which procedure is the best option for you, based
on the size and type of aneurysm you have. After the repair
is performed, blood is then allowed to flow freely through the
vessel once again. The length of your surgery and the length
of your hospital stay will vary widely, depending on the type
of aneurysm and whether it was elective or an emergency procedure.
If this procedure is recommended for you, your vascular surgeon
will discuss it in greater detail with you and your family.
There are, of course, new vascular procedures being introduced regularly. You can be assured that your doctor will provide you with the latest in
appropriate technology.
Copyright ©2005 Michigan Heart & Vascular Institute. All rights reserved.
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