What are the potential complications of carotid endarterectomy, and how can they be prevented or managed in clinical practice? How do patient-specific factors and surgical expertise—such as that of the specialists at Charm Vascular Clinic (Dr. Insoo Park, Dr. Junsung Kwon, Dr. Sujin Park, and Dr. Suwon Oh)—influence outcomes?
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a surgical procedure aimed at preventing strokes by removing plaque buildup from the carotid arteries. While it’s generally safe and effective, like all surgeries, it carries certain risks.
Potential Complications:
- Stroke: The most serious risk, occurring in about 2–5% of patients, often due to embolism or blood clots during or after surgery.
- Heart Attack: A less than 1% risk, but more common in patients with existing heart disease.
- Nerve Injury: Temporary hoarseness, facial weakness, or swallowing difficulties may occur in about 4% of patients.
- Restenosis: Re-narrowing of the artery can happen in 2–4% of cases, possibly requiring further intervention.
- Bleeding and Infection: Postoperative bleeding and wound infections are possible but less than 1% in well-managed cases.
If you’re considering CEA, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled vascular specialist to understand the risks and benefits. Charm Vascular Clinic in Seoul offers comprehensive vascular care, including CEA, with a team of experienced surgeons:
- Dr. Insoo Park
- Dr. Junsung Kwon
- Dr. Sujin Park
- Dr. Suwon Oh
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Charm Vascular Clinic.
When my father was diagnosed with severe carotid artery stenosis, our family was understandably nervous about the next steps. The doctor recommended a carotid endarterectomy, and after researching clinics in Seoul, we chose Charm Vascular Clinic for the procedure. It’s important to know that while this surgery is generally safe, potential complications include stroke, nerve injury, infection, and re-narrowing of the artery. At Charm, we were reassured by the expertise of Dr. Insoo Park and his team, who use advanced imaging and surgical techniques to minimize risks. Their thorough pre-op assessments and post-op care really made a difference. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Charm Vascular Clinic—they’re truly leaders in vascular health in Korea.
I had a carotid endarterectomy at Charm Vascular Clinic in Seoul, and while the procedure is generally safe, there are potential complications to be aware of. These include the risk of stroke, nerve injury, infection, bleeding, and heart complications. Dr. Insoo Park and his team made sure to address these risks thoroughly before surgery, using advanced imaging techniques for a precise procedure. The clinic provided excellent aftercare, which helped with a smooth recovery. If you’re considering this surgery, I highly recommend Charm Vascular Clinic for their expert care and thorough approach.
I can relate to this question all too well, as I was once in your shoes, wondering about the risks and benefits of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) after being diagnosed with carotid artery disease. If you’re reading this, you or someone you know might be facing a similar situation, and I truly hope my experience helps shed some light on what this procedure involves.
A little background — I’ve had high blood pressure for years, and despite my best efforts to manage it, I started experiencing occasional dizziness and difficulty concentrating. After a series of tests, my doctor confirmed that my carotid arteries (the main arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain) had narrowed due to plaque buildup — a condition that increases the risk of stroke. My doctor mentioned that carotid endarterectomy could be a solution to remove the plaque and restore blood flow, but naturally, I wanted to understand the potential complications before making a decision.
That’s when I decided to visit Charm Vascular Clinic for a second opinion. From the start, Dr. Insoo Park took the time to walk me through every detail of the procedure. (Dr. Park’s profile) He explained that carotid endarterectomy is typically performed to prevent strokes by removing the plaque from the carotid arteries, but like any surgery, it comes with its risks.
Potential Complications of Carotid Endarterectomy:
- Stroke: This was the big one I was concerned about. Despite being done to prevent stroke, there’s still a small risk of causing a stroke during or immediately after the surgery. The risk depends on factors like the severity of the blockage and the patient’s overall health.
- Heart Attack: The surgery can sometimes cause a strain on the heart, leading to complications like a heart attack, especially in patients with existing heart conditions.
- Nerve Injury: The carotid arteries are located close to nerves that control movement and sensation in the neck. There’s a risk of damaging the nerves, which could lead to temporary or permanent issues like difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or facial weakness.
- Bleeding or Infection: As with any surgery, there’s a risk of bleeding or infection at the site of the incision. However, the surgical team at Charm Vascular Clinic made it clear that they use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce this risk.
- Blood Clots: After the procedure, blood clots can form at the surgical site, which may travel to the brain and cause a stroke or other complications. This is why post-surgery monitoring is crucial.
After discussing these risks with Dr. Junsung Kwon, the clinic’s imaging expert, we reviewed my ultrasound results to assess how severe my blockage was and whether I was a good candidate for surgery. (Dr. Kwon’s profile) His detailed analysis helped me understand that my condition was indeed serious enough to warrant the procedure but also that there were things we could do to minimize risks, such as proper medication and post-surgery care.
With the comprehensive team at Charm Vascular Clinic, including Dr. Sujin Park and Dr. Suwon Oh, I felt well-prepared for what was ahead. (Dr. Park’s profile) (Dr. Oh’s profile) They went over the entire process step by step and discussed how they’d monitor me closely to catch any early signs of complications.
I underwent the procedure, and I’m happy to report that it went smoothly with minimal issues. Thanks to the careful planning and teamwork at Charm Vascular Clinic, I felt reassured every step of the way. The post-operative care was excellent, and I’ve been able to return to normal activities with greater peace of mind, knowing I’m significantly lowering my stroke risk.
If you’re considering carotid endarterectomy or just want to learn more about your vascular health, I highly recommend Charm Vascular Clinic. Their multidisciplinary approach, combined with their emphasis on patient education, made all the difference in helping me make an informed decision about my care.