The University of Maryland Medical Center describes carotid artery surgery as a complex procedure carried out to restore proper blood flow to the brain. The carotid artery is an artery located on either side of the neck which brings the necessary blood to the brain and the face. Fatty material called plaque can accumulate in this artery. This makes it partially or totally blocked, thus carotid artery surgery may be necessary to restore normal blood flow to the brain. Several complications can be experienced after carotid artery surgery.
Stroke
One of the most common complications after carotid artery surgery is stroke. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or becomes blocked. When the blood flow to the brain is interrupted for more than a few seconds, the brain cannot get enough oxygen and brain cells begin to die. A stroke can leave the patient with body paralysis and permanent brain damage.
Heart Attack
One of the complications after carotid artery surgery is a heart attack or myocardial infarction. It usually occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood through a coronary artery. The coronary artery is an artery that feeds blood to the major parts of the heart muscle. When the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, the brain does not function as it is meant to. This can cause the brain to create a spasm in various parts of the body including the coronary artery, which could shut down blood flow to the heart muscle.
Blood Clotting
Blood clotting is one of the major complications after carotid artery surgery. The most common type of blood clotting that occurs is called a thrombus. According to the American Heart Association, a thrombus is a blood clot that forms inside a patient's blood vessel or heart cavity. This leads to the blocking of a blood vessel, in this case the carotid artery. Further surgery will be required to clear the artery.
