What is the surgical intervention to clean out carotid arteries called?

The surgical intervention to clean out carotid arteries is known as carotid endarterectomy. This procedure is specifically designed to remove plaque buildup from the carotid arteries, which are the major vessels supplying blood to the brain. By clearing this blockage, the surgery aims to reduce the risk of stroke, enhancing blood flow and ensuring that the brain receives an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood.

Carotid endarterectomy is particularly relevant when there is significant narrowing of the artery (stenosis), usually caused by atherosclerosis. This condition can lead to serious complications, and the endarterectomy procedure effectively addresses the issue by enabling proper blood flow.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different vascular interventions. For example, coronary artery bypass grafting is for the heart arteries, angioplasty is typically performed to widen narrowed blood vessels, and cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic tool used to visualize the heart's coronary arteries. Each of these procedures serves different functions and is applicable in different contexts within cardiovascular care.