Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA): Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

A surgical operation called carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is performed to clear plaque accumulation in the neck's carotid arteries. The brain receives blood from these arteries, and the risk of stroke increases when these arteries constrict due to plaque (carotid artery disease).

To restore normal blood flow, a vascular surgeon makes an incision in the neck, opens the artery, removes the plaque, and then closes the artery. In order to avoid stroke, CEA is frequently advised for individuals with moderate to severe arterial blockage of 50 % or more.