When You Were in the Hospital
You had carotid artery surgery to restore proper blood flow to your brain. Your surgeon made an incision (cut) in your neck over your carotid artery. A tube was put in place for blood to flow around the blocked area during your surgery. Your surgeon opened your carotid artery and carefully removed plaque from inside it. The surgeon may have placed a stent (a tiny wire mesh tube) in this area to help keep the artery open. Your artery was closed with stitches after the plaque was removed. The skin incision was closed with surgical tape.
During your surgery, your heart and brain activity were monitored closely.
What to Expect at Home
You should be able to do most of your normal activities within 3 to 4 weeks. You may have a slight neck ache for about 2 weeks.
You may start doing everyday activities as soon as you feel up to it. You may need help with meals, taking care of the house, and shopping at first.
DO NOT drive until your incision is healed, and you can turn your head without discomfort.
You may have some numbness along your jaw and near your earlobe. This is from the incision. Most of the time, this goes away in 6 to 12 months.