“I am pleased that I am able to offer my patients state-of-the-art technology and procedures that rival larger cities — right here in Peoria.”
Andy Chiou, MD
A key artery located in the front of the neck though which blood from the heart goes to the brain.
A buildup in the coronary arteries of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.
A passage that is made to allow movement of blood or fluid from one part of the body to another.
A temporary blockage of the blood supply to the brain during which dizziness, blurred vision, and numbness on one side of the body may occur for a short period of time. It is often called a mini-stroke, since the symptoms mirror that of a stroke.
Endarterectomy is the surgical removal of plaque from an artery that has become narrowed or blocked. This procedure is commonly recommended for those who have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a stroke resulting from a narrowing of more than 70% of the carotid artery.
During this inpatient procedure, you will either be given general anesthesia or your surgeon will numb the area over the artery and you will remain awake for the surgeon to monitor your brain function (due to the decreased blood supply). Through a small incision in the neck, the affected carotid artery is exposed and opened to allow your surgeon to remove the plaque causing the narrowing. During the repair, blood flow is redirected around the narrowed area using a shunt.
If necessary, a vein patch or synthetic patch may be sewn to the carotid artery opening to widen the artery. After the shunt is removed, the artery and incision are closed. This procedure is typically completed in about 1 to 2 hours. Patients with uncomplicated cases are usually discharged from the hospital 48 hours after surgery.