What is the surgical procedure called for removing plaque from the inner layer of an artery?

• A. Endarterectomy
• B. Angioplasty
• C. Bypass
• D. Stent

Answer: (A)

Endarterectomy is the surgical procedure for removing plaque from the inner lining of an artery. Plaque buildup narrows the lumen and can raise the risk of impaired blood flow or stroke, especially in the carotid vessels. The operation involves opening the artery, carefully removing the atheromatous material from the intima, and then repairing the vessel to restore a clean passage for blood. This direct removal distinguishes it from other approaches like angioplasty, which widens the artery with a balloon without taking out the plaque, or a stent, which keeps the artery open but doesn't remove the plaque. A bypass creates a new route for blood flow around a blocked section rather than cleaning the original artery. So the correct term for removing plaque from the inner arterial layer is endarterectomy.