Surgeons may perform carotid endarterectomy after an ischemic stroke (cerebral infarction) to clear the blocked artery in the hopes of preventing another stroke. This procedure will only be done if the individual is expected to live at least five more years, the affected artery is more than 75% blocked, and some of the affected brain tissue still functions. There is the risk that another stroke can happen if material dislodges in an artery during the surgery. Placing a stent in a carotid artery is a less invasive procedure. A stent is a mesh tube with a filter that keeps the artery open and catches clots before they can reach the brain.
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