Endarterectomy

Endarterectomy is an operation during which atherosclerotic plaques are removed from the inner walls of the arteries. Increasing in size, they narrow the lumen of the arteries, which leads to impaired blood flow. As a result, there is a risk of tissue ischemia, necrosis and other complications. With a large size of plaques, normal blood circulation can only be restored through surgery.

At Oxford Medical, endarterectomy is performed in a modern high-tech hospital equipped with new expert-class equipment. It allows you to perform operations of any complexity. Thanks to this, as well as the high qualification of vascular surgeons, each patient is guaranteed an individual approach and the provision of medical care in accordance with European standards.

Endarterectomy is most often prescribed for obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities. Due to the development of the disease, blood flow to the legs worsens, which leads to impaired metabolic processes and oxygen starvation of tissues.

Atherosclerotic plaques can form not only in the vessels of the legs, but also in the coronary and carotid arteries. In these cases, patients may also be recommended endarterectomy.

Before the operation, the patient undergoes a comprehensive diagnosis to confirm the presence of indications and the absence of contraindications. Endarterectomy is a radical treatment method and is used in case of inexpediency or ineffectiveness of conservative therapy.

In most cases, endarterectomy is combined with stenting - a thin metal stent is placed in the lumen of the artery, which prevents it from narrowing and ensures the preservation of normal blood flow in this area.

Before the operation, the patient is prescribed a comprehensive examination. Depending on the indications, it may include:

• Doppler ultrasound of the vessels;
• CT angiography;
• electrocardiography (ECG);
• echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart);
• Ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck;
• CT or MRI of the head;
• blood tests.

Consultation with an anesthesiologist or other doctor may also be required if the patient has chronic diseases in addition to atherosclerosis.

A few days before the endarterectomy, the patient may be recommended to stop taking certain medications and switch to a light diet.

The surgeon will tell you how to properly prepare for the operation, what you should and should not do, at the preliminary consultation.

The goal of endarterectomy is to remove atherosclerotic and other deposits inside the arteries, as well as restore normal blood flow.

Endarterectomy of the lower extremities is performed under local (spinal) or general (anesthesia) anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia method depends on the patient's health and the complexity of the planned operation.

It is performed as follows:

1. The vascular surgeon makes an incision on the leg at the site of the artery.
2. Above and below the affected area, clamps are installed to temporarily stop blood flow.
3. After that, the artery is carefully cut and the inner walls are cleaned of atherosclerotic deposits using special instruments.
4. Then the integrity of the artery is restored by suturing or installing a graft, if necessary to strengthen the wall.
5. Finally, the wound is sutured and a sterile bandage is applied.

Carotid endarterectomy is performed in the same way, but on the carotid artery, and coronary endarterectomy is performed on one of the coronary arteries.

During the first day after the operation, the patient is prescribed bed rest. The next day, they are allowed to get up and walk around the clinic, and the drainage is removed and a dressing is applied. On the third day, if they feel well, the patient is discharged.

During the rehabilitation period, it is recommended to:

• monitor the dryness and sterility of the bandages, do not remove them yourself;
• take the medications prescribed by the doctor;
• keep your legs slightly elevated when lying down;
• wear compression hosiery (as prescribed by the doctor);
• avoid heavy physical exertion, visiting the pool, bathhouse or sauna, do not take a hot bath;
• refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages;
• undergo an examination by a vascular surgeon every 3-6 months.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of the cardiovascular system. It is accompanied by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which narrow the lumen of the vessels and can lead to blockage.

The disease can develop asymptomatically for a long time. As it progresses, the risk of developing:

• constant leg pain, edema, lameness, diabetic foot;
• trophic ulcers, gangrene of the leg;
• ischemic heart disease, angina;
• myocardial infarction;
• cerebral stroke;
• aneurysms, etc. increases.

The surgical department of «Oxford Medical» is equipped with new diagnostic and surgical equipment from the best manufacturers of medical equipment such as Philips, Siemens, Nihon, Hamilton Medical, B. Braun, Olympus, etc. This allows for both open and endovascular operations of any complexity in vascular pathologies.

The cost of endarterectomy may vary depending on the complexity of the operation, the need for combination with other methods, the type of anesthesia, and the duration of hospitalization. You can find out the prices of surgical treatment at «Oxford Medical» here, but only a surgeon can provide more accurate information on this issue after studying the history and diagnostic results.