Carotid endarterectomy: nursing care and controversies

Carotid endarterectomy, was first performed in 1951 and has since become one of the most commonly recommended operations. However, it has recently come under scrutiny for being performed too frequently for the wrong indications and at too high a risk for the patient. This article will cover pertinent anatomy and physiology of cerebral blood flow, symptoms of carotid circulation ischemia, indications for surgery along with the expected risks and benefits, and the role neuroscience nurses play in the care of these patients. In order to assist neuroscience nurses in ethical decision making regarding patient advocacy, several controversies surrounding carotid endarterectomy will be addressed.