Atherosclerosis is the culprit of carotid artery stenosis. The surface of atherosclerosis is a fibrous cap with cholesterol crystals and necrotic material in the middle. When atherosclerosis increases in size after formation, the fibrous cap ruptures, causing debris to spew out like an active volcano. The surface of the ruptured fibrous cap is susceptible to thrombus formation and is easily dislodged by the impact of blood flow. The detached debris and surface clots follow the direction of blood flow toward the internal cerebral arteries and block vessels of similar size. This leads to cerebral infarction, causing small strokes and affecting the patient’s health, so the occurrence of carotid artery stenosis should be treated effectively. Currently, the ideal procedure for treating moderate to severe carotid stenosis is carotid endarterectomy, which is a highly sophisticated technique for removing thickened atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery and preventing strokes caused by plaque detachment. The principle of the procedure is as follows: the lateral part of the carotid artery is exposed under a microscope, the distal and proximal ends of the carotid artery are temporarily clamped, and then the carotid artery is incised to remove the “garbage” that is blocking the vessel, so that the inner wall of the carotid artery is smooth and the inner diameter is restored to its normal size. As the thickened intima and atherosclerotic plaque are removed, the carotid artery is opened up and blood from the heart can reach the major blood vessels in the head and face in time, greatly improving the symptoms of cerebral infarction. Of course, like other surgeries, carotid endarterectomy is not suitable for all patients, it has certain clinical indications, and the indications generally include the following: 1. If the patient has a degree of carotid stenosis >50% through medical imaging (DSA is the gold standard for diagnosing carotid stenosis), and the patient has corresponding clinical symptoms, carotid endarterectomy can be considered in this case; 2. A portion of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis with >70% stenosis can also undergo carotid endarterectomy in this case. What are the medical costs of carotid endarterectomy? This procedure has been performed in Europe and the United States for 50 years and is very mature and safe. The medical costs incurred during treatment vary from person to person and it is recommended to go to a regular hospital for a detailed examination and targeted treatment.