Coronary artery surgery is a highly effective procedure, and most patients recover well and experience improved heart function.
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A coronary endarterectomy (CE) is a surgical procedure used to treat complex coronary heart disease, including cases previously considered inoperable. It is often performed alongside coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, also known as heart bypass surgery.
Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease, affecting more than 20 million people in the U.S. Conditions such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) often accompany coronary heart disease. In some cases, combining coronary artery bypass surgery with a coronary endarterectomy can improve surgery success.
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How coronary endarterectomy works
During a CE procedure, a surgeon removes excess plaque from the inner linings of the coronary arteries, helping to restore healthy blood flow to the heart.
To determine the best treatment approach, your doctor will run diagnostic tests. While CABG surgery is typically the preferred treatment for coronary blockages, CE may be performed in certain situations to improve outcomes.
Your surgeon may recommend combining CABG surgery with CE in cases of:
- Diffuse coronary artery disease: This advanced form of coronary artery disease involves widespread plaque buildup along the arteries, making it difficult to treat with bypass surgery alone.
- Severe coronary artery blockage: Some blockages are caused by significant calcified plaque, requiring the removal of the plaque through an endarterectomy.
- Unsuccessful angioplasty or stenting: If previous angioplasty or stenting has failed to open blocked arteries, a coronary endarterectomy may be necessary.
At Mass General Brigham, patients benefit from a network of world-class heart and vascular care. Call us at 833-642-2863 to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist near you. Our specialists are here to provide expert care tailored to your needs.
What to expect during a coronary endarterectomy
If your surgical team determines you need coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, they may first perform a coronary endarterectomy to remove plaque buildup and improve blood flow.
You’ll receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain-free, and your care team will monitor you closely throughout the procedure.
Your surgeon will locate the affected arteries. Using specialized surgical instruments, they’ll dissect and remove hardened plaque from the arterial wall without causing damage. Once the plaque is removed, the artery is repaired using a bypass graft, which allows blood to flow more freely around the previously blocked section.
Recovery from a coronary artery endarterectomy
Following a CE procedure, your care team will closely monitor you to ensure your cardiac function and vital signs remain stable. Your recovery time depends on the severity of the coronary artery blockage and how well you respond to treatment. Generally, most people undergoing an open coronary endarterectomy can expect to go home within five to seven days.
Your medical team will provide specific diet, exercise, and lifestyle instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and watch for signs of complications.
FAQs about coronary artery disease
Like any major surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery carries some risks. However, advancements in medical techniques and the expertise of your care team significantly reduce these risks. Potential complications are carefully managed to ensure the safest possible experience. Your team will guide and support you every step of the way.
There is a component of coronary heart disease that is hereditary. If your family has a history of coronary heart disease, you may be at greater risk of developing it. However, you can take preventive steps to lower your chances by controlling your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol through diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.
