Endarterectomy is indicated when the carotid stenosis is greater than which percentage and the patient is symptomatic?

Endarterectomy is a surgical procedure used to reduce the risk of stroke by correcting stenosis in the common carotid artery. The procedure is indicated in cases of symptomatic patients where carotid stenosis is greater than 70%.

This threshold is based on clinical guidelines and studies that have shown a significant benefit in stroke prevention when the degree of stenosis exceeds this level, especially in symptomatic individuals. Patients with more than 70% stenosis are at an increased risk of ischemic events, and endarterectomy can effectively alleviate this risk by improving blood flow to the brain.

For patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease, the surgical intervention can lead to better outcomes in terms of reducing the likelihood of transient ischemic attacks or strokes. Significant symptomatic carotid stenosis—greater than 70%—is often associated with a higher degree of plaque burden, which can be addressed through the procedure. Thus, the correct percentage indicating when endarterectomy is indicated for symptomatic patients is indeed 70%.