Final answer:
Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to prevent strokes by removing plaque from the carotid arteries. Indications include significant stenosis with symptoms or high stroke risk, while contraindications encompass severe heart disease, short life expectancy, and completely occluded carotid artery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure conducted to prevent stroke, by removing plaque build-up in the carotid arteries. It's most commonly indicated in patients with significant carotid artery stenosis, particularly if they've experienced transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or a non-disabling stroke. Indications include more than 70% narrowing in patients with symptoms, and 60% narrowing in patients without symptoms but with high risk for stroke.
On the other hand, contraindications to carotid endarterectomy include unstable medical conditions, severe heart disease, a life expectancy of less than 5 years due to other serious conditions, and a complete occlusion of the carotid artery. Additionally, the patient's risk factors, underlying atherosclerosis, and prior treatments such as angioplasty and coronary bypass procedures should be considered.