How do you clean out a carotid artery?

As a medical professional with expertise in vascular health, I can provide you with information on how carotid arteries can be treated when they become narrowed due to plaque buildup, a condition known as carotid artery stenosis. There are two primary surgical methods to clean out or open a narrowed carotid artery: 1. Endarterectomy: This procedure involves physically removing the plaque from inside the carotid artery. A surgeon makes an incision in the neck to expose the artery, clamps the artery to prevent blood flow during the procedure, and then opens it lengthwise in the region of the narrowing. The plaque is carefully removed, and the artery is closed back up. 2. Angioplasty and Stenting: In this less invasive procedure, a catheter with a small balloon on the end is guided through the artery to the site of the narrowing. The balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery wall, and then a stent (a small mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open. It's important to note that not all patients are candidates for these procedures, and the decision to perform surgery is based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the stenosis, the patient's overall health, and the presence of symptoms. Lifestyle changes and medications are also crucial components of managing carotid artery disease. This includes controlling high blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and engaging in regular physical activity.

There are two main ways to open a narrowed carotid artery. 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.