What surgical procedure involves the removal of fibrotic plaque from the intima layer of arteries?

The surgical procedure that involves the removal of fibrotic plaque from the intima layer of arteries is endarterectomy. This technique is designed to treat stenosis (narrowing) of a blood vessel caused by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque. During an endarterectomy, a surgeon makes an incision in the artery and carefully extracts the plaque from the intima, which is the innermost layer of the artery.

This procedure is particularly beneficial in restoring blood flow and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, such as stroke or heart attack, by removing the obstructive material directly from the vessel. Endarterectomy is most commonly performed on the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain, but it can be applied to other arteries as well.

Other choices, while relevant to vascular interventions, involve different techniques. Angioplasty focuses on widening narrowed arteries through the use of balloons or stents but does not involve plaque removal. Atherectomy generally refers to the removal of atherosclerotic plaque but is often performed via a different mechanism involving cutting or scraping rather than through a surgical incision. Bypass surgery bypasses the areas of blockage rather than removing the plaque itself. Therefore, endarterectomy is the specific