The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
Endarterectomy
SURGERY TO REMOVE THE BUILD UP OF FATTY DEPOSITS IN THE ARTERY
Vascular surgery that helps prevent strokes and improve blood flow
What is an endarterectomy?
A carotid endarterectomy involves removing a calcified build-up (plaque) on the inner wall of an artery to help prevent strokes and improve blood flow in narrowed arteries.
It's usually carried out on the arteries of the lower limbs but can be performed on any artery.
Need to know
An endarterectomy can be carried out under general or local anaesthetic. If you have a general anaesthetic, you'll be asleep. Local anaesthetic numbs the affected area. For a carotid endarterectomy, your surgeon makes a cut in your neck. For a femoral endarterectomy, they make a cut in your groin. Once they access your artery, they close off the blood flow and cut into the place where it has narrowed. They then remove the inner lining and fatty deposits. Your artery will be closed with stitches or a special patch.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved in an endarterectomy. Your consultant will take the time to explain these to you and answer any questions you have. They'll tell you how to prepare and if you're having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long to avoid eating and drinking before your procedure.
You'll be cared for in hospital overnight or until your consultant thinks you're well enough to go home. You won't be able to drive so please arrange for someone to collect you. You'll probably feel sore for a few days pain relief may help with this. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine including driving, work and exercise.
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our Endarterectomy locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.