Definition of "endarterectomy" [endarterectomy]

• Surgical excision of the inner lining of an artery that is clogged with atherosclerotic buildup. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The surgery, known as carotid endarterectomy, is sometimes suggested for patients whose carotid arteries have narrowed by 60% to 90%, even in the absence of pre-stroke symptoms."
• "The surgery, called endarterectomy involves cutting open the neck artery and scraping out plaque formations that can block blood flow."
• "The procedure, known as an endarterectomy, involves cutting open the neck artery and scraping out plaque formations that can block blood flow."