Endarterectomy

This surgery removes plaque from a clogged artery, and includes carotid (neck), renal (kidney) and lower extremity (leg) endarterectomy. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small hole in the area of the obstructed artery and clamps the artery closed above and below the obstruction. The surgeon then opens the artery and peels the plaque off the artery walls. When finished, the surgeon closes the artery and the surgical incision. Most people return to their normal activities in just one or two weeks.