Which procedure involves the surgical removal of plaque from the carotid arteries?

The procedure that involves the surgical removal of plaque from the carotid arteries is carotid endarterectomy. This surgical intervention is specifically designed to reduce the risk of stroke in individuals who have significant narrowing (stenosis) of the carotid arteries due to atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque within the artery walls. By removing this plaque, the procedure improves blood flow to the brain and decreases the likelihood of embolic strokes, which can occur when fragments of plaque dislodge and travel to the brain.

Carotid endarterectomy is typically indicated for patients with severe narrowing of the carotid arteries, particularly in those who have already experienced transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes. The surgery involves making an incision in the neck, accessing the carotid artery, and then carefully excising the atherosclerotic plaque.

In contrast, the other procedures mentioned have different surgical indications and applications: a craniotomy is performed to access the brain for various purposes, a VP shunt is used to treat hydrocephalus by draining excess cerebrospinal fluid, and spinal fusion is a procedure to join two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine. Each serves a distinct purpose in their respective areas of medicine and does not