Carotid Surgery –  Charcoal on Clay Paper

When atherosclerotic plaque deposits accumulate in a patient’s carotid artery to the point where blood flow is significantly impeded, a surgical removal of the plaque may be required. This procedure is called a carotid endarterectomy. The surgeon uses instruments to pinch off blood flow to the affected area. Then an incision is made in the carotid artery (in these drawings it’s the external carotid) and the fatty deposits are removed. The incision is then sutured.