How dangerous is the blocked artery operation on your neck?

Its not minor: A carotid endarterectomy is a major operation but is usually well tolerated. In the hands of a well trained vascular surgeon the risks can be minimalized. Nationally the rate of stroke around the time of the surgery is less then 3% for vascular surgeons. Heart issues is one of the most common complications but is usually treatable. Death is rare less then 1% but can occur.

Carotid surgery: Should have a mortality/ morbidity raty of < 2%. Discuss with your surgeon.

Carotid surgery: Carotid endarterectomy is well tolerated as long as you don't have severe cardiac or lung disease . If it is done for symptomatic disease then risk of stroke should be less than 5% and if done for asymptomatic disease then risk should be less than 3%. Most experienced vascular surgeon have that risk lower than 1-2%.