The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Cerebral protection during open retrograde angioplasty/stenting of common carotid and innominate artery stenoses. BJS 2006; 93: 187-190.

Published: 3rd January 2006

Authors: D. A. Payne, P. D. Hayes, A. Bolia, G. Fishwick, P. R. F. Bell, A. R. Naylor et al.

Background

This was a retrospective study of the effectiveness of open, retrograde angioplasty/stenting of supra‐aortic arterial stenoses combined with transcranial Doppler‐directed dextran therapy in preventing perioperative embolization.

Method

Eight patients underwent angioplasty/stenting of the proximal common carotid (synchronous carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in six), while four underwent angioplasty/stenting of the innominate artery (synchronous CEA in one). Open exposure of the carotid bifurcation enabled temporary carotid clamping to protect the brain from procedural embolization. Dextran was administered to patients with a high rate of embolization on transcranial Doppler after the operation.

Results

No emboli were recorded in the cerebral circulation during the actual angioplasty procedure when the internal carotid artery was clamped. After operation three patients developed high‐rate embolization and received dextran. No strokes or deaths occurred within 30 days of treatment. One patient developed symptoms and a recurrent stenosis greater than 50 per cent during follow‐up and was treated by redo angioplasty.

Conclusion

Retrograde angioplasty/stenting with or without synchronous CEA offers an alternative approach to treating patients with supra‐aortic inflow disease. Copyright © 2005 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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