What is the purpose of a carotid endarterectomy?

The purpose of a carotid endarterectomy is to remove the lining of a clogged carotid artery. This surgical procedure is performed to reduce the risk of stroke by clearing out the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) that can obstruct blood flow to the brain. When these arteries become narrowed or blocked, blood circulation is compromised, which can lead to serious health issues, including transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes. By removing the inner lining of the artery where the plaque has accumulated, the procedure restores normal blood flow, significantly lowering the patient's risk of a stroke resulting from carotid artery disease.

In context, other options like repairing a damaged heart valve, bypassing a blocked coronary artery, or implanting a pacemaker are all distinct medical procedures that serve different purposes related to cardiovascular health, but they do not address the specific issue of carotid artery blockage associated with stroke risk.