With angiography, a dye is injected into the artery, followed by an x-ray to check for blockage. Carotid endarterectomy carries some risks. There can be complications if parts of the plaque break away during the procedure and block an artery to the brain or if artery incisions leak. Complication rates vary greatly by hospital and surgeon. Ask if your hospital monitors its complication rates for carotid endarterectomy and ask your surgeon how many times he or she has performed the procedure.
Evidence shows that surgeons who have performed more procedures have higher success rates.
PORTs examine the outcomes of treatments provided to typical patients by typical practitioners in typical health care settings. 95-0090, September 1995.