BACKGROUND: The carotid web is an important and under recognized etiology for recurrent cryptogenic strokes. A management option for a symptomatic carotid web is a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with surgical microdissection and removal of the intimal luminal defect. METHODS: We describe some of the technical nuances involved in successfully performing a carotid endarterectomy for resection of a carotid web. CONCLUSION: Utilizing a familiar approach to an understudied pathology, this procedure can be safely performed and provides the patient with lasting protection against recurrent infarcts through removal of the thromboembolic nidus.