Clinical review of 106 consecutive carotid endarterectomies.

We have reviewed 106 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed from 1966 through 1973. During this period, 99 elective procedures and seven emergency procedures were done on 84 patients, 22 of whom had bilateral endarterectomies. Indications for elective procedures included transient ischemic attacks, emboli from ulcerative plaques, high grade stenotic plaques on the same or opposite side in patients with old cerebrovascular accidents and asymptomatic bruits. Seven patients had emergency endarterectomies performed for acute strokes and these demonstrated a higher risk. They were grouped together as emergency procedures for comparison with the 99 elective procedures. Previous histories, risk factors, complications and outcome in the two groups are presented and discussed. Mortality in the elective cases was 2%, compared to 30% in the emergency cases with acute stroke. Surgical indications, operative technic and immediate and late results are discussed.     

Intraoperative neurological changes in 1665 regional anaesthetic carotid endarterectomies predicts postoperative stroke

BACKGROUND: To maximize the benefit of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in stroke prevention its complication rate must be minimized. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of a large series of CEA carried out under regional anaesthesia with selective shunting, with particular emphasis on identifying predictors for perioperative stroke and mortality. METHODS: Between 1987 and 2003 the data for 1665 consecutive regional anaesthetic CEA carried out in 1495 patients were collected prospectively; awake neurological testing facilitated selective shunting. Preoperative data, intraoperative events and postoperative in-hospital complications were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: There were 38 non-fatal strokes (2.3%) and 10 deaths (0.6%), giving a combined stroke and mortality rate of 2.9%. Only patients who needed shunting were found to have significantly higher rate of postoperative stroke and mortality (7.0 vs 1.9%, P < 0.001). Patient characteristics, comorbidities, indication for operation (P = 0.34) and the degree of stenosis of the contralateral carotid artery (P = 0.65) were not found to be predictive of perioperative stroke or mortality, although the latter two were found to be predictive of the need for shunting (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Regional anaesthetic CEA is a safe and effective technique with excellent morbidity and mortality rates. The technique can be undertaken safely regardless of the indication for endarterectomy or the status of the contralateral carotid artery. Patients who developed intraoperative neurological changes requiring shunting are identified as high risk for perioperative stroke or mortality and should therefore be carefully monitored postoperatively.     

Correlation of carotid artery stump pressure and neurologic changes during 474 carotid endarterectomies performed in awake patients

PURPOSE: A carotid artery stump pressure (SP) of < 50 mm Hg and abnormal electroencephalography (EEG) changes have been suggested as indications for selective shunting in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) under general anesthesia. We attempted to determine the optimal SP threshold that correlated with neurologic changes in awake patients undergoing CEA using cervical block anesthesia (CBA) and performed a cost comparison with EEG monitoring. METHODS: Between July 1, 1995, and December 31, 2004, SP was measured during 474 CEAs performed under CBA by inserting a 19-gauge butterfly needle into the common carotid artery. A saline-filled intravenous bag in the patient's contralateral hand was connected to pressure tubing to generate waveforms with hand squeezing that could be visualized on a monitor. Systemic pressure was maintained approximately 10 mm Hg higher than baseline. Accurate SPs were confirmed by the finding of flatline waveforms after internal carotid artery clamping. Selective shunting was performed when neurologic changes occurred (aphasia, inability to squeeze the contralateral hand, decreased consciousness), regardless of SP. During this same period, 142 patients underwent CEA using GA, and SP was also measured. RESULTS: Shunting was necessary because of neurologic changes in 7.2% (34/474) of all CEAs performed using CBA: 0.9% (3/335) with SPs > or = 50 mm Hg systolic vs 1.0% (4/402) with SPs > or = 40 mm Hg systolic, and 22% (31/139) with SPs < 50 mm Hg systolic vs 42% (30/72) with SPs < 40 mm Hg systolic. If these 474 CEAs had been performed using GA, shunts would have been used in 29% (139/474) of patients for a SP < 50 mm Hg systolic vs 15% (72/474) for a SP < 40 mm Hg systolic. In patients not shunted, the perioperative stroke/death rate was 1.2% in patients (4/332) with SPs > or = 50 mm Hg vs 1.0% (4/398) with SPs > or = 40 mm Hg. Three of the four strokes occurred > 24 hours postoperatively and were unrelated to lack of shunting and ischemia. There was no significant difference in the percentage of patients with SPs > or = 50 mm Hg who underwent CEA using CBA (70%, 335/474) vs GA (67%, 96/142) during this time period. At our hospital, charges for SPe measurement, including anesthesia charges and tubing, were 229 dollars per case vs 3439 dollars per case for EEG monitoring. Use of SP measurements in these 474 patients would have resulted in reduced charges of 1,521,540 dollars compared with EEG monitoring if CEA had been performed under GA. CONCLUSION: Using 40 mm Hg systolic as a threshold, the need for shunting (15%) and the false-negative rate (1.0%) for SP in our series were equivalent to the results of EEG monitoring during CEA reported in the literature. However, charges for SP measurements are dramatically lower compared with EEG monitoring. Our results suggest that a carotid artery SP > or = 40 mm Hg systolic may be considered as an equally reliable but more cost-effective method to predict the need for carotid shunting during CEA under GA compared with EEG monitoring, but further investigation is warranted.     

Prospective evaluation of electroencephalography, carotid artery stump pressure, and neurologic changes during 314 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed in awake patients

OBJECTIVE: This study attempted to correlate neurologic changes in awake patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) under cervical block anesthesia (CBA) with electroencephalography (EEG) and measurement of carotid artery stump pressure (SP). METHODS: Continuous EEG and SP monitoring was measured prospectively in 314 consecutive patients undergoing CEA between April 1, 2003, and July 30, 2006, under CBA. Indications for CEA were asymptomatic 70% to 99% internal carotid artery stenosis in 242 (77.1%), transient ischemic attacks (including transient monocular blindness) in 45 (14.3%), and prior stroke in 27 (8.6%). Mean common carotid artery pressure before clamping, mean SP after carotid clamping, and intraarterial pressure were continuously monitored in all patients. An indwelling shunt was placed when neurologic events (contralateral motor weakness, aphasia, loss of consciousness, or seizures) occurred, regardless of SP or EEG changes. RESULTS: Shunt placement was necessary because of neurologic changes in 10% (32/314) of all CEAs performed under CBA. Only 3 patients (1.4%) of 216 required shunt placement if SP was 50 mm Hg or more, vs 29 (29.6%) of 98 if SP was less than 50 mm Hg (P < .00001; sensitivity, 29.8%; specificity, 98.6%). In patients with SP of 40 mm Hg or more, 7 (2.6%) of 270 required shunt placement, vs 25 (56.8%) of 44 if SP was less than 40 mm Hg (P < .00001; sensitivity, 56.8%; specificity, 97.4%). Ischemic EEG changes were observed in 19 (59.4%) of 32 patients (false-negative rate, 40.6%) requiring shunt placement under CBA. Three patients had false-positive EEG results and did not require shunt placement (false-positive rate, 1.0%). The perioperative stroke/death rate was 4 (1.2%) in 314. All strokes occurred after surgery and were unrelated to cerebral ischemia or lack of shunt placement. CONCLUSIONS: Ten percent of patients required a shunt placement during CEA under CBA. Shunt placement was necessary in 56.8% of patients with SP less than 40 mm Hg. EEG identified cerebral ischemia in only 59.4% of patients needing shunt placement, with a false-positive rate of 1.0% and a false-negative rate of 40.6%. Both SP and EEG as a guide to shunt placement have poor sensitivity. Intraoperative monitoring of the awake patients under regional anesthesia (CBA) is the most sensitive and specific method to identify patients requiring shunt placement.     

Six hundred consecutive carotid endarterectomies with temporary shunt and vein patch angioplasty: early and long-term results

PURPOSE: This retrospective study evaluates the long-term clinical outcome and the survival of 600 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed with a temporary shunt. All arteriotomies were closed by vein patch angioplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 1989 and November 1998, 600 isolated carotid endarterectomies (CEA) were performed in 540 patients by a uniform surgical technique at the University Clinic of Mont-Godinne. An intraluminal shunt and patch closure were systematically used. The mean age was 68 yr (ranging from 41 to 91 yr), 400 patients were men. The risk factors included hypertension in 73%, smoking history in 60%, coronary artery disease in 51% and hyperlipidemia in 35%. The indications were asymptomatic stenosis in 47%, transient ischemic attack in 40%, vertebrobasilar symptoms in 7% and stroke in 6%. EARLY RESULTS: The combined 30-day stroke and death rate was 0.9%. There were four deaths. The stroke and TIAs rates were 0.2% and 1.5% respectively. The incidence of early carotid occlusion was 0.5%. Cranial or cervical nerve dysfunction was identified in 6.3%. LATE RESULTS: The median follow-up was 49 months with a range of 2-124 months. Cumulative survival rates at 5 and 10 yr were 92+/-1% and 89+/-2% respectively. Thirty-two patients died during long-term follow-up; the death was stroke-related in only three patients. CONCLUSION: Carotid endarterectomy using an intraluminal shunt and vein patch closure is a safe and effective procedure associated with low morbidity and mortality rates at short and long-term follow-up.     

Digital subtraction angiography and continuous-wave Doppler studies. Their use in postoperative study of patients with carotid endarterectomy

Postoperative study of 40 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy was performed using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and transcutaneous continuous-wave Doppler (CWD) studies. The two techniques were comparable in defining recurrent stenosis in the reconstructed carotid arteries and progressive disease in the contralateral carotid artery. Digital subtraction angiography appeared to be more sensitive than the CWD method in detecting minor progression of carotid disease. Our data suggested that CWD and DSA have comparable ability to identify significant (greater than 50%) carotid artery stenosis in this group of patients. However, DSA provided more detailed imaging of the carotid system and may give enough information about progression of carotid disease to avoid preoperative arteriography in some patients.     

Non-invasive ventilation in do-not-intubate patients: five-year follow-up on a two-year prospective, consecutive cohort study

Background: End-of-life decisions are common in intensive care units (ICUs), and increasingly, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is used as a ceiling of ventilatory care. However, little is known about the outcome following that decision.
Methods: An observational, single-center, retrospective, follow-up study with no interventions, on ICU patients treated with NIV and a do-not-intubate (DNI) order. The patients were followed until a 5-year survival rate could be calculated.
Results: One hundred and fifty-seven patients were treated with NIV during 2002 and 2003, and among 38 a DNI order was in effect. Of the 38 DNI patients, 11 died in the ICU, 16 died on the ward and 11 survived the hospital stay. Five of these 11 survivors died within 6 months, two died after 2.7 and 3.3 years, respectively, but four were still alive after 5 years. The long-term (>6 months) survivors have, surprisingly only been admitted to the hospital 0–2 times a year – and seldom with the need for ICU treatment.
Conclusions: According to this study, and previous ones, it seems worthwhile treating DNI patients with NIV. Twenty-five to 35% leave the hospital alive, every 6th patient lives for at least 1 year, and this paper shows that 10% may survive for 5 years or more. However, only chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic heart failure patients (both with a concomitant low APACHE score) seem to have a reasonable outcome, and patients should be informed about this. So far, no study has investigated the quality of life of these survivors.     

Emergency carotid endarterectomy for patients with acute carotid occlusion and profound neurological deficits.

Emergency revascularization procedures for patients with acute stroke are controversial. Thirty-four patients with acute internal carotid artery occlusion documented at the time of emergency endarterectomy were analyzed. Before operation, all these patients had profound neurological deficits including hemiplegia and aphasia. There was a 94% success rate in restoring patency. In follow-up, nine patients (26.5%) had a normal neurological exam, four (11.8%) had a minimal deficit, 10 (29.4%) had a moderate hemiparesis, which was improved over their preoperative deficit, 4 (11.8%) remained hemiplegic, and seven (20.6%) died. The natural history of patients with acute carotid occlusion and profound neurological deficits is dismal. In comparison, 13 patients (38%) made a dramatic recovery. The surgical mortality rate compares favorably with the natural history. Good collateral flow was a good prognostic factor, while a simultaneous middle cerebral artery embolus was associated with a poorer prognosis. An emergency carotid endarterectomy may be indicated in selected patients with acute internal carotid artery occlusion with profound neurological deficits. Full preoperative angiography may identify those patients who would benefit from surgical intervention and reduce the operative mortality rate.     

Immediate reoperation for perioperative stroke after 2250 carotid endarterectomies: differences between intraoperative and early postoperative stroke.

PURPOSE: After carotid endarterectomy, intraoperative findings and outcome of immediate reoperation of patients who had an intraoperative stroke were compared with those of patients who had an early postoperative stroke. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 2250 carotid endarterectomies performed between 1980 and 1997. Intraoperative stroke (group A) was detected after 41 of the 2250 operations (1.8%), whereas early postoperative stroke (group B) developed after 18 of the 2250 operations (0.8%). Patients from both groups were reoperated on within 1 hour after neurological examination. RESULTS: Positive intraoperative findings that could be corrected during immediate reoperation were: (1) thrombotic occlusion of the carotid artery that was operated on caused by technical error, which was found in nine of 41 patients (22%) in group A and in 11 of 18 patients (61%) in group B (P =.009); (2) mural thrombus caused by technical error without occlusion, which was detected in seven of 41 patients (17%) in group A and in two of 18 patients (11%) in group B (P >.05); and (3) technical error without a thrombus, which was found in eight of 41 patients (20%) in group A and in three of 18 patients (17%) in group B (P >.05). A patent carotid artery was found in 17 of 41 patients (42%) in group A and in two of 18 patients (11%) in group B (P =.046). Twenty of the 41 patients (49%) in group A died, and four of 18 patients (22%) in group B died (P > 0.05). Major neurological deficit remained in nine of 41 patients (22%) in group A and four of 18 patients (22%) in group B (P > 0.05). Total recovery occurred in seven of 41 patients (17%) in group A and in eight of 18 patients (45%) in group B (P = 0.058). CONCLUSION: Carotid artery thrombosis during immediate reoperation was more frequent in patients who had an early postoperative stroke than in patients who had an intraoperative stroke. It appears that patients who had an intraoperative stroke have a higher incidence of uncorrectable lesions.     

Audit of 149 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed by a single surgeon in a district general hospital over a 12-year period.

Carotid endarterectomy has been established by two large randomised controlled trials (European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST) and North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET)) as an important surgical procedure for the prevention of ischaemic strokes in patients presenting with transient cerebral ischaemia or non-disabling strokes attributable to severe ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis. The operation carries significant risk of death and stroke and it has been advocated by some that carotid endarterectomy should only be performed in a small number of designated regional centres in order to achieve good surgical results. It is doubtful that the regional centres alone can cope with the increasing numbers of patients requiring carotid endarterectomy and there is therefore a requirement for the procedure to be carried out by vascular surgeons in district general hospitals. It is important that surgical results are audited to ensure that comparable outcomes are achieved. We present an audit of our experience of carotid endarterectomy since 1981. A total of 149 consecutive carotid endarterectomies were performed by a single surgeon with a special interest in carotid surgery. The results are comparable to ECST with a 30-day mortality of 0% and an overall 30-day stroke rate of 5.7% (major strokes) for patients with severe, ie 70-99%, ipsilateral carotid artery stenoses. We have shown that carotid endarterectomy is an operation that can be performed safely and with good results by suitably trained surgeons in district general hospitals.     

颈动脉粥样硬化性狭窄的超声与血管造影比较研究

目的比较超声与数字减影血管造影（DSA）诊断颈动脉粥样硬化性狭窄的差异。方法对340例缺血性脑血管病患者行颈动脉超声及全脑DSA检查,其中短暂性脑缺血发作（TIA）患者105例,脑梗死患者235例;又根据年龄分为青年组（n=54）、中年组（n=137）和老年组（n=149）。结果超声与DSA检查均发现梗死组颈动脉狭窄高于TIA组（P〈0．05）;超声与DSA检查均发现老年组颈动脉狭窄高于中年组和青年组（P〈0．05）,中年组高于青年组（P〈0．05）;超声检查颈动脉颅外段动脉狭窄与DSA相比,狭窄、闭塞及总体符合率分别为89．39％、80．85％、87．15％。结论颈部血管超声联合应用DSA对颈动脉粥样硬化的病因、诊断、临床治疗及术前评估与术后随访意义重大。     

对侧颈动脉闭塞患者颈动脉成形支架置入术的临床分析

目的 探讨对侧颈动脉闭塞患者颈动脉成形支架置入术(CAS)的有效性及安全性.方法 回顾性分析2001年1月至2010年1月治疗的56例对侧颈动脉闭塞、同侧颈动脉狭窄患者的病例特点及CAS的疗效.患者均经数字减影血管造影(DSA)证实为一侧颈动脉闭塞、另一侧颈动脉狭窄,狭窄程度在50%～90%,平均72%±15%.经常规准备后在远端脑保护装置保护下行CAS.结果 56例对侧颈动脉闭塞、同侧颈动脉狭窄患者行CAS的技术成功率100%,术后颈动脉直径狭窄率即术后残余狭窄率为0～30%,平均为13%±8%.患者术后脑缺血症状均获改善,仅1例于术后3 d发生原脑梗死部位的慢性出血(CAS侧),开颅手术后遗留轻微神经功能障碍,无缺血性并发症发生,无死亡病例.患者随访6个月～3年,平均27个月,均无脑缺血症状发作,经颈部血管彩色超声复查47例、DSA复查2例均未发现支架内再狭窄.结论 对侧颈动脉闭塞的高危患者的CAS治疗是安全、有效的,严格的病例筛选、经验丰富的医生操作及术后严谨的综合处理均可以降低手术并发症的发生.

Abstract：

Objective To discuss the efficiency and safety of carotid angioplasty stenting (CAS) in patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion. Methods From January 2001 to January 2010,56 carotid artery stenosis patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion were performed CAS and the feature and results of these cases were analyzed retrospectively. All the cases were confirmed to be carotid artery stenosis with contralateral carotid artery occlusion by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The diameter stenosis rate was 72% ± 15%. CAS were performed with distal protection device in 56 cases. Results The technique success rate of CAS were 100% in all the 56 patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion and postprocedure stenosis rate descended to 13% ± 8%, and the symptoms of cerebral ischemia were all improved. Only 1 case occurred remote hemorrhage in the position of previous cerebral infarction in the side of CAS after the procedure, and recovered with light neurological deficit after the craniotomy to remove the hematoma. No ischemic complications or death occurred. During the following up of 6 months to 3 years, no cerebral ischemic symptoms reoccurred. The rechecking results of color Doppler of 47 cases and DSA of 2 cases showed no restenosis in-stent. Conclusions CAS is safe and effective for the patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion. Critical election of the case, operation of skilled doctors and scrupulous postprocedure general management can decrease the rate of complication.     

Correlation of clinical findings, duplex carotid artery scanning and CT scanning of the brain in 54 consecutive patients with bruits over the carotid artery bifurcation.

Fifty-four patients presenting consecutively with bruits over the carotid artery bifurcation have been studied by Duplex ultrasonography of the carotid artery and CT of the brain. The patients were divided into symptomatic (transient ischaemic attacks (TIA), non-focal neurological symptoms, minor and major strokes) and asymptomatic groups. The duplex scans were subdivided into those showing a greater than 50% stenosis of the internal carotid artery and those with a less than 50% stenosis. The CT brain scans were subdivided into those showing evidence of cerebral infarction and those without. Symptomatic patients were found to be more likely to have an area of cerebral infarction than asymptomatic ones (P = 0.0086 Fisher's Exact Test). Patients with a significant stenosis (greater than 50%) of the internal carotid artery were more likely to have an ipsilateral cerebral infarction on CT than patients with a minor stenosis (less than 50% stenosis) (P = 0.028 Fisher's Exact Test). Three patients (two with TIA's and one with non-focal neurological symptoms) were found to have unsuspected cerebral infarcts on CT of the brain. These patients could theoretically be at risk following carotid endarterectomy and revascularization if the infarct were an early one. Patients with non-focal neurological symptoms and carotid bruit were more likely to have a significant stenosis than asymptomatic patients with carotid bruit (P = 0.0069 Fisher's Exact Test). Therapy should be directed at the carotid artery lesion in these cases. Duplex scanning of the carotid artery bifurcation may be combined usefully with CT brain scanning in the non-invasive investigation of patients with symptomatic extracranial carotid artery bruits.     

Multi-glandular lesions in primary hyperparathyroidism. Late outcome of 86 consecutive patients treated with conservative surgery

Multiple gland enlargement (M.G.E.) in primary hyperparathyroidism (H.P.T.) is the presence of 2 or more enlarged glands weighing more than 50 mg. Conservative surgery (C.S.) consists of resecting the grossly enlarged glands without biopsying the normal glands. Some authors have suggested that C.S. might overlook minute hyperplasia, hence leading to late recurrences of H.P.T., or conversely result in the unnecessary resection of grossly enlarged, but not hyperfunctioning glands. 379 patients have been operated upon for H.P.T. 86 (22.7%) had M.G.E. including 13 (15.2%) M.E.N. cases, 8 (9.3%) familial cases and 65 (75.6%) seemingly sporadic cases (S.S.C.). 2, 3 or 4 glands (or more) were involved in 39.5%, 35% and 25.5% of cases respectively. 1 patient died post-operatively and 3--all S.S.C. with hyperplasia--had to be reoperated upon within 1 year for persistent hypercalcemia. Pathological diagnosis was: double adenomas in 5.8%, hyperplasia in 36%, adenoma associated with hyperplasia in 46.5% and a normal second gland, on light microscopy findings in 11.7%. None of 13 deaths occurring during follow-up was related to H.P.T. 78 patients (90.7%) are available for follow-up (av. 85.3 months). 85.9% are normocalcemic (2.2 less than Ca less than 2.6 mmol/l), 5.1% hypocalcemic and 9% hypercalcemic. 61 had late i. P.T.H. assay; i. P.T.H. was appropriate to serum calcium in 78.7% and appropriate to normal serum calcium levels in 90.6% of 53 normocalcemic cases.     

Comparative study of manometric and electroencephalographic monitoring in 100 carotid endarterectomies

The authors compare the results of carotid artery back pressure and EEG monitoring in 100 carotid endarterectomies. They point out that EEG, especially during operative carotid occlusion, is more reliable to detect cerebral ischemia. EEG monitoring permits also to avoid using shunt more frequently.     

Preoperative magnetic resonance angiography findings and postoperative neurological complications in 93 cases of CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass

Between February 1994 and January 1997, 102 of the 146 patients treated by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) had undergone magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain and neck before the operation, and arterial stenosis or occlusion had been detected in 38 (36.9%) of them. Two of these patients had complicating severe calcification of the ascending aorta, and CABG was performed without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Seven patients without stenotic lesions on MRA were also treated by CABG without CPB for other complications. In addition to the 102 patients one patient had been found to have occlusion of the left common carotid artery and poor enhancement of the distal portion, and as a result we switched from CABG to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA). We enrolled 93 patients in this study excluding these 10 patients. The patients were distributed into the three groups according to the MRA findings. Group C = no stenotic lesions (58 patients). Group S=stenosis of <70% (26 patients), Group SS = stenosis of ≧70% (9 patients). Enhancement distal to the stenotic or occlusive lesions was good in all patients in group S and SS. We then examined them for the incidence of postoperative neurological complications. There were no significant differences among the three groups in regard to age, male/female ratio, or incidence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. In Group S, the incidence of diabetes was significantly higher than in the other Groups. The incidence of prior stroke was significantly higher and the number of coronary arteries affected was significantly larger in group SS than the other groups. There were no significant differences among the three groups with regard to intraoperative variables. The lowest mean arterial pressure on CPB was 44.3 ± 7.4 mmHg, 48.0 ± 8.8 mmHg, 46.3 ± 7.8 mmHg in Group C, S, and SS, respectively, In all groups the lowest mean arterial pressure on CPB was below 50 mmHg. There were no significant differences among the three groups with regard to time to awaken and time to extubation. Two patients experienced transient conciousness disturbance after CABG, one in Group C, the other in Group SS, but no new lesions were detected by brain CT. Only one patient, in Group C. suffered a stroke and had a new lesion on brain CT a month after the operation. No strokes occurred in the perioperative period. In nine patients with good enhancement distal to the severe stenotic or occlusive lesion on MRA of the brain and neck the lowest mean arterial pressure on CPB was below 50 mmHg, but there was no postoperative neurological complications due to the low perfusion pressure on CPB. The results of this study suggested that CABG with CPB can be performed safely in patients with good enhancement distal to the stenotic or occlusive lesions on MRA of the brain and neck.     

Correlation of intra-operative duplex findings during carotid endarterectomy with neurological events and recurrent stenosis at one year.

OBJECTIVES: Carotid endarterectomy has been used to treat both asymptomatic and symptomatic disease and this has meant that recurrent stenosis and its effect on late stroke risk have become increasingly important. In this study we compared anatomical defects and residual stenosis identified intra-operatively with recurrent stenosis and new symptoms developing in the first year after surgery. DESIGN, MATERIALS & METHODS: Two hundred and forty-four consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were studied prospectively. Residual anatomical defects were noted; residual stenosis was defined by intra-operative duplex ultrasound as >50%. New stenoses and clinical events during the one-year surveillance period were documented. RESULTS: There was an increased incidence of recurrent stenosis at one year in vessels with residual stenoses (p<0.001) and in vessels containing a residual anatomical defect (p=0.037). There was no significant difference in recurrent stenosis rate with respect to closure (primary or patch) or seniority of surgeon but recurrent stenosis was increased in females (p=0.026). The majority (70%) of restenotic lesions were localised to the origin of the internal carotid artery. The late stroke rate was 0.9% and was not related to recurrent stenosis or symptoms.CONCLUSIONS: Residual stenosis and intra-luminal defects at completion increase the recurrent stenosis rate at one year. The aetiology of recurrent stenosis is multi-factorial and further studies are required to determine whether it is justified to modify the criteria for re-exploration with a view to reducing recurrent stenosis.     

Long-term follow-up results of carotid endarterectomy in patients with carotid stenosis and transient monocular blindness

The study aimed to prove the efficacy of carotid endarterectomy in patients with transient monocular blindness caused by carotid arterial stenosis. 31 patients, aged 45-80 years, were included in the study. All patients were divided in 2 groups: 16 patients from the first group had classic carotid endarterectomy with synthetic patch; 15 patients from the second group were treated conservatively. All operated patients had no stroke or transient ischemic attack and were spared from amaurosis attacks and even showed certain vision sharpness improvement. Whereas the majority of patients from the second group showed the recurrence of the amaurosis fugax attacks after the treatment. Carotid endarterectomy significantly improves the condition of an eye and prevents brain ischemia in patients with transient monocular blindness caused by carotid arterial stenosis.