What is a carotid endarterectomy consist of? they cut open your carotids?

Plaque removal: It is a technical operation. Artery is controlled, opened under full anticoagulation. Shunt placed to maintain blood flow to your brain and the lesion removed. If the artery is small caliber a patch can be used to increase caliber or close artery primarily. For my patients, I photograph the plaque for them.

Yes: Traditional way involves clamping the artery then opening it along its axis and then removal of the stenotic/blocked plaque and part of the inner lining of the artery then closing the artery typically with a patch.