During CEA surgery, the plaque causing the stenosis is excised from the open artery. The artery is then closed with a patch. Blood flow is interrupted by temporarily clamping the carotid. However, care must be taken to avoid hypoxia in the affected hemisphere.

For the assessment of changes in the oxygen supply to the brain, somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) are measured continuously.

If changes in amplitude and latency occur during the operation as a result of a reduced oxygen supply, the surgeon can react immediately.