• Endarterectomy is predominantly performed for carotid stenosis secondary to severe atherosclerosis; carotid body tumor or aneurysm is rare.
• Key elements to note: luminal diameter (i.e., stenosis), calcification, plaque and  thrombosis.
• Identify specimen received (note: the specimen usually do not contain the blood vessel per se).
• Describe the shape of the specimen and its branch point, and take the measurements.
• Note the lumen and it’s smallest diameter
• Submit one cross section (of the narrowest area) and one longitudinal section in one cassette.

Gross examination is usually adequate. If histological examination is desired, 1-2 cross-section of the stenotic area should be sampled.

Received without fixative / in formalin, labeled “_____” and “___ carotid artery”, is  a ___ x ___ cm (diameter) branched segment of tubular atherosclerotic plaque with a ___ cm stenotic patent lumen.  There is extensive mural _____ (calcification, fibrosis, cholesterol deposits, yellow-tan atheromatous plaque).  The specimen is previously, longitudinally opened.  Gross only / the soft tissue is entirely submitted in cassette #__ (__ pieces).

___ blocks, __ H&E