The surgeons at UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute provide expert carotid artery care and perform minimally invasive carotid endarterectomy procedures.
When you choose UPMC in Central Pa. for your carotid endarterectomy, you will receive expert care from some of the region's most experienced cardiovascular surgeons. We provide expert carotid artery care using either minimally invasive or traditional open techniques, depending on your specific condition.
Carotid endarterectomy is a procedure that improves blood flow to your brain by opening narrowed or blocked carotid arteries, which are located on either side of your neck. The procedure removes plaque – which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances – from the inside of your carotid artery.
Your carotid endarterectomy can be performed using minimally invasive techniques or traditional open surgery. During the procedure, you may be awake under local anesthesia or asleep under general anesthesia.
During a minimally invasive procedure, your vascular surgeon will thread a balloon catheter through your femoral artery in your groin and guide it to your carotid artery. After the catheter is in place, your doctor will inflate the balloon to open your carotid artery and improve blood flow. Your doctor will use a special device to prevent plaque material from moving through your arteries and blocking blood vessels in your brain.
In a traditional procedure, you will be positioned on the operating table, lying on your back, with your head raised slightly and turned away from the side where you will have the procedure. You will receive a sedative medication in your IV before the procedure to help you relax.
Your doctor will make an incision down the side of your neck over the diseased artery, followed by an incision into your carotid artery. A shunt may be used to divert blood flow around the surgical area and maintain blood flow to your brain during the surgery. After the artery is clear, the incisions in your artery and neck will be closed.
When your carotid endarterectomy is complete, you will be moved to recovery and then admitted to the hospital. If a drainage tube was placed in your incision during your procedure, it most likely will be removed the next morning, and you should be able to go home within 1-2 days.
You should ask your doctor when you can return to work and resume everyday activities. You may be instructed not to drive for a certain amount of time after your procedure, so you may need to arrange for someone to drive you home after you are discharged.
It is very important that you see your doctor for follow-up visits as recommended. Your doctor may schedule you for follow-up duplex ultrasound exams to monitor your carotid arteries.
Phone: 717-731-0101
Surgical Specialists of Lancaster - UPMC
1575 Highlands Drive
Suite 200
Lititz, PA 17543
Phone: 717-735-7410
Fax: 717-735-7438
Surgical Specialists of Lancaster - UPMC
2101 Embassy Drive
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-735-7410
Fax: 717-735-7438
The UPMC Central PA Portal provides patients with convenient and secure access to their health information right at their fingertips. View test results. Get virtual care. Message your care team. Schedule and manage appointments. And much more.
Log-In or Sign Up TodayWhen it comes to health care for you and your family, UPMC is here. It's easy to find the right doctor, health screenings, programs, classes, and more.
Contact UPMC in central Pa.Your health information, right at your fingertips. Select MyUPMC to access your UPMC health information. For patients of UPMC-affiliated doctors in Central Pa, select UPMC Central Pa Portal. Patients of UPMC Cole should select the UPMC Cole Connect Patient Portal.
The portal for all UPMC patients EXCEPT those in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC patients in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC Cole patients receiving inpatient care.
