The primary benefit of Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) is its ability to significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
Understanding the Primary Benefit of CEA
The main advantage of undergoing a Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) procedure is its effectiveness in significantly reducing the risk of stroke. This benefit is particularly pronounced for individuals diagnosed with severe stenosis, which is a significant narrowing of the carotid artery.
How CEA Achieves Stroke Reduction
CEA directly addresses the root cause of many strokes originating in the carotid arteries. By surgically removing the plaque buildup that narrows the artery, the procedure achieves two crucial outcomes:
- Improves Blood Flow: Removing the obstruction restores normal blood flow to the brain.
- Reduces Clot Risk: The smooth interior lining after plaque removal makes it less likely for a blood clot to form within the vessel.
Since clots forming in the carotid artery can travel to the brain and block smaller vessels, leading to an ischemic stroke, preventing their formation is key to stroke prevention. Thus, by clearing the blockage, CEA directly reduces the chances of a clot forming and blocking the vessel, which can lead to a stroke.
