Carotid artery disease at Spire Cardiff Hospital

Stroke is a major cause of serious disability and premature death in the UK.  One of the most common causes of stroke is carotid artery stenosis –narrowing of the main artery supplying oxygenated blood to the brain.

If debris or plaque from a diseased artery lining breaks off and travels in the arterial circulation, lodging in and temporarily blocking the narrowed vessels that supply the brain, a mini-stroke, or ‘transient ischaemic attack’ (TIA), may occur. However, if the event is permanent, and blood flow to the brain is restricted, a stroke can result.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an operation that resolves the narrowing of the carotid artery, and is performed via a short incision in the neck – where the carotid artery is found. It is the treatment of choice for patients with a significant carotid stenosis who have had a TIA or stroke as it best minimises risk of further TIA or stroke.

As with all surgical procedures, there are risks involved in undergoing this treatment and the key risk of CEA is operative stroke.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.