Which procedure is done to remove blood clots or plaque from occluded arteries?

Endarterectomy is a surgical procedure specifically designed to remove atherosclerotic plaque and blood clots from the inner lining of an artery. The procedure is most commonly performed on the carotid arteries, which are located in the neck and supply blood to the brain. By excising the plaque buildup and any associated thrombus, endarterectomy can restore proper blood flow and reduce the risk of stroke.

This procedure is particularly important for individuals with significant narrowing of the arteries caused by plaque, as such blockages can lead to serious health complications. The benefits of endarterectomy include a reduction in symptoms related to reduced blood flow, such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes.

In contrast, bypass surgery involves creating an alternative route for blood flow around a blocked artery rather than directly addressing the blockage itself. Thrombectomy specifically refers to the removal of thrombus or blood clots rather than plaque. Arteriotomy involves making an incision into an artery and does not inherently include the removal of plaques. Each of these other procedures has its specific indications and applications in cardiovascular treatment but does not directly target the removal of plaque and clots from the arterial wall as endarterectomy does.