Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Lars39

(26,525 posts)
7. I think his doctors are trying to prevent a second stroke
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 01:47 AM
9 hrs ago
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/how-are-clogged-neck-arteries-treated

Carotid endarterectomy involves physically removing plaque from inside the carotid artery. A surgeon makes an incision in the neck to expose the artery, clamps the artery, then opens it lengthwise in the region of the narrowing. After scraping the fatty plaque out of the artery, the surgeon enlarges the artery with a diamond-shaped patch, stitches the artery back together, then closes the skin of the neck.
For both of these procedures, the goal is to prevent a future stroke, and both do this quite well. But these invasive procedures sometimes trigger a stroke, which is why they are mostly done in people with severe carotid artery narrowing who have had symptoms. The risk of stroke is low when experienced clinicians perform the procedures in hospitals where these are done often.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»The redness on the child ...»Reply #7