Endarterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes plaque material from the lining of an artery.  Physicians use this procedure to treat many different arteries; however, the most common use is for the carotid arteries.  The carotid arteries are the ones in your neck that deliver blood to the brain.

When these arteries become blocked this could potientially lead to a stroke or TIA.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a "mini-stroke" caused by temporary disturbance of blood supply to an area of the brain, resulting in a sudden, brief decrease in brain function. (It lasts less than 24 hours, usually less than one hour).  A TIA is caused by an interruption of blood flow to brain cells. If the symptoms resolve completely in under 24 hours, this is called a TIA or "mini stroke." If the symptoms do not resolve, the event is called a stroke.

For more information about the Baptist Heart and Vascular Institute click here  or call 859-260-5500.

Content contributed by ADAM.