“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 blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
A disease in which fatty substances, cholesterol, calcium and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This is often referred to as hardening of the arteries.
A key artery located in the front of the neck though which blood from the heart goes to the brain.
When plaque builds up on the artery walls, causing the artery to narrow – also known as hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis.
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.
As you age, a sticky substance called plaque, consisting of cholesterol, calcium and fibrous tissue, can build up in the walls of your arteries. This buildup can cause the arteries to harden, otherwise known as atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Endarterectomy is the surgical removal of plaque from an artery that has become narrowed or blocked. It can be performed to treat Carotid Artery Disease and Peripheral Artery Disease.
Details of the procedure will depend on the location of the artery to be treated. You will either be given general anesthetic, or the surgeon will numb the area and you will remain awake in order for the surgeon to communicate with you and monitor brain function (due to the temporary decreased blood supply during the surgery).
The surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the site of the blockage. He will then insert a shunt, or tube, above and below the obstruction to temporarily re-route the blood flow, and will remove the plaque or blood clot from the inner layer of the artery using a specially-designed tool. Once the plaque is removed, he may widen the artery with a man-made graft or a segment of one of your own veins. He will then take out the shunt and close the incision. You may have a drain in your incision temporarily to allow excess fluid to drain from the incision.
This procedure is normally completed in about one to two hours. Patients usually remain in the hospital overnight for observation, and may be discharged after one to two days. However, in cases of abdominal incisions, you may be required to remain hospitalized for five to seven days.