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Carotid Endarterectomy
Carotid endarterectomy (surgically removing fatty deposits from the main blood vessel to the brain) is done to prevent stroke. When the operation works it prevents strokes that might happen in the future. Some doctors believe that a carotid artery (main blood vessel to the brain) that is almost blocked should be cleaned out. Some doctors also suggest that an artery that is leaking fatty deposits to the brain should be cleaned out.
The safety issue for carotid endarterectomy is that the operation can cause a stroke. The operation can cause the very thing you are trying to avoid.
There are medications that you can take that also can make a stroke less likely without surgery. You should learn about the safety of any treatment that is recommended to lower your risk of stroke.
If every where in Maine were the same the bars on the chart would all be short. We expect that things will be somewhat different in one town when compared to the rest of the state. Bars to the left indicate less often than expected, bars to the right indicate more often than expected.
Our data suggests that where you live is a factor in the decision to have surgery.
We do not think that where you live should be an important factor. Discuss our concern with your primary care provider and your surgeon.
