Neck artery surgery or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is performed to prevent a stroke from occurring. CEA is a surgical procedure in which a doctor removes fatty deposits blocking one of the two neck (carotid) arteries, which are the main supply of blood for the brain. The disease process that causes the buildup of fat and other material inside the artery walls is called atherosclerosis, also known as "hardening of the arteries." Neck (carotid) artery problems become more common as people age. 

CEA is a fairly common procedure that requires expertise with the use of complex equipment; technical errors while using this equipment may lead to significant complications, such as neck blockage (carotid occlusion) with or without a stroke, heart attack and death. Better processes of care in hospitals may reduce the risk of death (mortality) from CEA.