Etymed
endarterectomy
Definition
Surgical removal of the inner lining of an artery, typically performed to treat atherosclerosis or other arterial blockages
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents with intermittent claudication and a non-healing ulcer on his left foot. Doppler ultrasound reveals severe stenosis of the left femoral artery. The patient undergoes endarterectomy to remove the atherosclerotic plaque and restore blood flow to the lower extremity.
Mnemonic
ENDARTERECTOMY = END-artery removal, ART-atherosclerosis, ECT-ectomy (surgical removal)