Carotid endarterectomy contralateral to carotid artery occlusion: analysis from a randomized study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many studies have reported the benefits of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) contralateral to an occluded internal carotid artery (ICA), with varying results. This study analyzed perioperative and late outcomes in a recent trial in which patients were randomized to carotid eversion endarterectomy (CEE) or traditional CEA with patching (CEAP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 336 primary CEAs (310 patients) 68 were contralateral to an occluded ICA (group I). The remaining 268 CEAs served as control group (group II). All patients underwent clinical follow-up and duplex ultrasonography at 1, 6, and 12 months and every year thereafter. Endpoints of the study were early and late neurological events, and deaths. RESULTS: Group I had a significantly higher incidence of perioperative electroencephalic changes and need for shunting. The perioperative stroke rate in group I was almost three times as high as in group II, but the difference was not significant. Similarly, the perioperative minor neurological event and death rates, as with the cumulative stroke-free and survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years, were comparable in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: CEA contralateral to an occluded ICA can be implemented with perioperative stroke and mortality rates and late stroke-free and survival rates comparable to CEA with no contralateral ICA occlusion.     

Is Contralateral Carotid Artery Occlusion a Risk Factor for Carotid Endarterectomy?

Occlusion of the contralateral internal carotid artery (ICA) is considered to have a significant impact on the outcome of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The purpose of this study was to review one center’s experience concerning CEA opposite an occluded ICA, to see whether results differed from those obtained in patients with patent contralateral ICA in terms of relevant neurologic complication rate (RNCR, fatal + disabling stroke), stroke-free rate, and survival rate. From January 1997 to December 2002, 1,381 patients underwent a total of 1,445 CEAs at the Department of Vascular Surgery of Padua University. Patients were divided into two groups: group A included 144 patients with occlusion of the contralateral ICA and group B consisted of 1,237 patients with a patent contralateral ICA. There was no postoperative mortality in patients of group A, while in group B, two patients died as a result of myocardial infarction and cardiac failure and one died as a direct result of perioperative stroke. Postoperative disabling strokes occurred in one (0.7%) patient in group A and 10 (0.8%) patients in group B (p > 0.5). At 72 months, there were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of RNCR, stroke-free rate, and late death. Our results show that contralateral carotid occlusion does not reduce the safety of CEA. The efficacy in terms of RNCR, stroke-free rate, and late survival is no different in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion.     

Surgical therapy for the patient with internal carotid artery occlusion and contralateral stenosis

With demonstration of the failure of extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass to reduce the incidence of stroke in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, controversy continues regarding the best method of stroke prevention in these high-risk persons. One approach, endarterectomy of stenotic lesions of the contralateral carotid bifurcation, has been used for 145 patients with ICA occlusion during the past 25 years. Presenting symptoms included focal transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in 62 patients, stroke (CVA) in 57, and nonfocal TIAs in 16. Ten patients were asymptomatic. Nine patients (6.2%) sustained perioperative strokes, only three of which were ipsilateral to the endarterectomy. There were three perioperative deaths (2.1%). During the follow-up period (mean 4 years) there were 13 new strokes (9.2%), four of which were fatal. These late results compare favorably with patients from the cooperative study of EC-IC bypass with occlusion of one ICA, whether they received surgical treatment or were managed nonoperatively. With the exception of select situations where an occluded ICA may be reopened, we conclude that the best current therapy for these patients is close observation of the nonoccluded ICA and endarterectomy once a stenotic lesion is encountered.     

Carotid endarterectomy in the presence of a contralateral occlusion: a review of 315 cases over a 27-year experience

Recent data from the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial revealed a 14.3% perioperative risk of stroke or death with carotid endarterectomy contralateral to a carotid artery occlusion. Since last reporting on this topic in the mid-1980s, the authors have reviewed 180 patients with occlusion of one internal carotid artery (ICA) and who underwent endarterectomy of the stenotic contralateral ICA operated from 1965 to 1984 (group A) compared with 135 operated on from 1985 to 1991. The two groups were similar with respect to age, sex, incidence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes and history of smoking, but group B had a significantly increased incidence of patients who were neurologically symptom-free before surgery (21.5% versus 7.8%, P < 0.001). The combined perioperative stroke or death rate for patients in group B was significantly lower than for those in group A (0.7% versus 6.7%, P < 0.01). Comparison of the operative techniques showed more frequent placement of intra-arterial shunt (52.6% versus 29.4%, P < 0.001) and increased use of general anesthesia (20.0% versus 9.4%, P < 0.01) in patients of group B. Analysis of the etiology of the complications, however, showed that shunting alone could not account for the improved results. Lower incidences of postoperative thrombosis, embolization and intracerebral hemorrhage were equally important. From these data and a review of the literature, it is concluded that: (1) complications from carotid endarterectomy in patients with ICA stenosis and contralateral occlusion cannot be attributed to a single technical problem; (2) the reported high incidence of perioperative stroke or death with these patients reflects the added risk that any ischemic insult may result in a neurologic event; and (3) improved selection of patients and careful attention to cerebral perfusion and reconstruction of the carotid artery after endarterectomy can reduce the operative risks.     

External carotid endarterectomy: indications, technique, and late results

In the past 14 years, 22 patients (25 operated sides), with occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA), underwent ipsilateral external carotid artery (ECA) endarterectomy at our institution. Operative indications were amaurosis fugax in 13 sides and nonlateralizing transient ischemic attacks in the remaining 12. There were no operative deaths. One patient suffered a minor stroke after operation. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 110 months (median 36 months). In 16 cases, simple endarterectomy with or without vein patch closure was performed (type I). In two cases the ostium of the ICA was occluded with interrupted sutures after endarterectomy (type II). In the remaining seven cases the ICA was transposed as a patch over the endarterectomized ECA after endarterectomy (type III). All but six patients (six sides) underwent duplex scanning or angiography during follow-up. Four of nine patients with previous nonlateralizing symptoms had persistent symptoms after operation, whereas none of those with previous amaurosis fugax did. Recurrent occlusive disease was more common in type I reconstructions (p less than 0.05). Proper ECA reconstruction results in long-term patency. In the patient with ipsilateral ICA occlusion, transposition of the ICA as a patch over the endarterectomized ECA offers a valid hemodynamic solution. Objective parameters are needed to identify patients with nonlateralizing symptoms who will benefit from operation.     

Carotid endarterectomy with routine electroencephalography and selective shunting: Influence of contralateral internal carotid artery occlusion and utility in prevention of perioperative strokes

OBJECTIVE: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is associated with a risk of cerebral ischemia during carotid clamping, particularly in the face of contralateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. We examined the results of CEA with continuous electroencephalography in patients without and with contralateral ICA occlusion. DESIGN AND SETTING: We reviewed 564 primary CEAs with routine electroencephalography and general anesthesia performed between April 1, 1989, and March 31, 1999, in a community teaching medical center. Main outcome measures were perioperative stroke, temporary lateralizing neurologic deficit, and death. Shunts were placed primarily for significant electroencephalographic changes after carotid clamping but also selectively for contralateral ICA occlusion, prior stroke, or surgeon choice. CEA was performed for asymptomatic disease in 35% of cases. RESULTS: Significant electroencephalographic changes occurred in 16% versus 39% (P <.001) and shunts were placed in 13% versus 55% (P <.001) of patients with patent (n = 507) versus occluded contralateral ICA (n = 57), respectively. The fraction of CEAs with significant electroencephalographic changes during clamping was stable, but shunt use declined slightly over time as our confidence in electroencephalography increased. Patches were placed more often (86% versus 65%; P =.002), but other operative details were similar when the contralateral ICA was occluded. Five early (30 days) strokes (0.9%) and eight early temporary postoperative neurologic events (1.4%) occurred, all ipsilateral to CEA and all after the patient left the operating room with none in patients with contralateral ICA occlusion. Two perioperative deaths occurred, one in a patient without and one in a patient with contralateral ICA occlusion. Neither of these deaths was related to ipsilateral stroke. No increase in stroke rate with decreased shunt use over time was seen. CONCLUSION: Routine use of electroencephalography was associated with apparent complete elimination of intraoperative strokes and less than 1% risk of perioperative strokes. These observations appear to be true even in the face of contralateral ICA occlusion. Electroencephalography is a sensitive detector of cerebral ischemia and a valuable tool for determination of need for shunting during CEA. Surgeons should consider routine use of electroencephalography and selective shunting for significant electroencephalographic changes with clamping.     

Natural history of carotid artery occlusion contralateral to carotid endarterectomy

BACKGROUND: The natural history of patients with carotid artery occlusion is controversial. A few studies have concluded that patients with internal carotid artery occlusion carry a high risk of neurologic events. None of these previously reported studies analyze the natural history of internal artery occlusion contralateral to carotid endarterectomy (CEA), except for a small series including a subset of patients from two randomized trials, the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study and the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial. This study analyzes the natural history of patients with carotid artery occlusion contralateral to CEA, specifically assessing long-term neurologic events occurring in the hemisphere associated with the occluded carotid artery. METHODS: Of the 599 CEAs in 544 patients that were included in two previously updated prospective studies, 63 patients had contralateral internal carotid artery occlusion, and their perioperative and long-term outcomes were evaluated. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the rate of freedom from late stroke occurring in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the occluded carotid artery. The stroke-free survival rate was also noted. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 58 months (range, 1 to 147 months). One perioperative stroke (1.6%) occurred, which was not in the cerebral hemisphere ipsilateral to the occluded carotid artery. Two late strokes (3.2%) and nine transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) (14.3%) occurred involving the hemisphere of the occluded carotid artery. There were also three late TIAs (4.8%) and no late strokes involving the hemisphere supplied by the operative site. There were a total of 14 late deaths. Fifteen patients had late > or =50% restenosis of the operative side. Six of these had neurologic events (TIA/stroke) involving the hemisphere of the occluded carotid artery, in contrast to five of 48 patients with no restenosis who had neurologic symptoms (P < .001). Freedom from late strokes in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the occluded carotid artery at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 98%, 96%, 96%, and 96%, respectively. The stroke-free survival rates at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 90%, 87%, 80%, and 59%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The natural history of carotid artery occlusion contralateral to CEA is relatively benign. This may suggest a protective effect of carotid endarterectomy on the cerebral hemisphere ipsilateral to the carotid occlusion from late strokes.     

External carotid revascularization: review of a ten-year experience

In the presence of ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, external carotid artery (ECA) revascularization can improve cerebral perfusion or eliminate an embolic source. From 1974 through 1984, 37 patients at The Cleveland Clinic underwent 42 ECA reconstructions; autologous patch angioplasty and intraluminal shunting were used when feasible. Thirty procedures were limited to primary ECA revascularization, whereas 12 extended procedures were performed as reoperations after previous ECA endarterectomy or required complementary subclavian or intracranial bypass. There were no early postoperative deaths nor neurologic morbidity in the limited group, but one death, four ipsilateral hemispheric strokes, and one retinal embolism occurred in the extended group. Ten patients have died during a follow-up interval of 1 to 72 months (mean 27 months). Five late deaths were caused by myocardial infarction, only one of which was complicated by a contralateral stroke. Two additional strokes have occurred; one involved the ipsilateral and one the contralateral cerebral hemisphere. Five other patients experienced recurrent cerebral or ocular ischemic symptoms. In conclusion, extended ECA reconstruction is associated with a higher operative risk than limited revascularization. Late follow-up is necessary to detect those patients who may eventually require additional management of recurrent cerebrovascular symptoms or incidental coronary artery disease.     

The impact of an occluded internal carotid artery on the mortality and morbidity of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the presence of stenosis or an occluded internal carotid artery (ICA) influences perioperative stroke and mortality rates in patients subjected to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 1995 and July 1998, 3,344 patients (59% males; 41% females) had CABG performed at our institution. Preoperative carotid duplex scans performed by registered vascular technologists at an ICAVL accredited laboratory were available for review in all patients. Of these, 3,101 (92.7%) had < 60% ICA stenosis (group A), 182 (5.4%) had 60% to 99% ICA stenosis (group B), and the remaining 61 (1.8%) had a occluded ICA (group C). In the latter group, 53 patients (87%) had < 60% contralateral ICA stenosis, while 8 (13.1%) had significant (60% to 99%) contralateral stenoses. Concomitant carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) were performed in 70 patients in group B (40%) and in 2 patients in group C (3.2%). Age, indications for surgery, prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking were similar in all groups. The mean pump time for groups A, B and C were 132, 138, and 125 minutes, respectively. The aortic cross-clamp time for group A, B, C were 78, 75, and 75 minutes, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and unpaired t test. RESULTS: Perioperative stroke rates (30 days) were 1.6%, 3.8%, and 6.5% for groups A, B, and C, respectively. Group A results varied significantly from groups B (P < 0.03) and C (P < 0.003). No statistically significant difference was noted between groups B and C (P = 0.6). The presence of a contralateral ICA stenosis in group C patients was predictive of a perioperative stroke (25% versus 3.8%; P < 0.0001). Concomitant CEAs for contralateral severe ICA stenosis in group C were associated with higher stroke rate (100%) when compared with those in group B patients (4.2%; P < 0.02). Perioperative (30 days) mortality rates for groups A, B, and C were 3.6%, 6.6%, and 8.6%, respectively. The mortality rate for group A was lower than for groups B (P < 0.05) and C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The presence of an ICA occlusion increases the morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing CABG. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported large series of patients that investigates the role of carotid occlusions.     

Somatosensory evoked potential monitoring during carotid surgery

Controversy exists over the value of intraoperative monitoring and shunting in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Although it is widely believed that contralateral carotid occlusion and previous stroke mandate intraoperative shunting, the susceptibility of these two groups of patients to cerebral ischemia during carotid artery endarterectomy is not well defined. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) were monitored in 113 carotid artery endarterectomy patients. Of these, 32 (28.3%) had a previous stroke, 24 (21.2%) had a contralateral carotid occlusion and 33 (29.2%) were diabetic. There were no deaths and only one perioperative stroke (0.9%). Cerebral ischemia occurred in 14 patients (12.4%). Six of these patients had a contralateral carotid occlusion. Some 29 patients (25.7%) were shunted, including 10 with contralateral carotid occlusions that did not have major SSEP changes. In the latter half of the study, 14 patients with contralateral carotid occlusions were selectively shunted (six shunted, eight not shunted) with no neurological complications. Thirty-two patients with prior strokes were selectively shunted (nine shunted, 23 not shunted); of these, one shunted patient undergoing combined carotid artery endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting had a perioperative stroke. Intraoperative monitoring with SSEPs accurately identifies cerebral ischemia secondary to carotid clamping as well as patients requiring shunts. With the use of intraoperative SSEP monitoring, selective shunting may be safely performed in patients with a contralateral carotid occlusion or a previous stroke.     

Carotid endarterectomy in patients with contralateral internal carotid artery occlusion without intraoperative shunting

BACKGROUND: Controversy about the optimal method of performing a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) exists despite its widespread application and support from various randomized clinical trials. Many surgeons selectively or routinely use electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring as well as shunting when performing this operation. ETHODS: We conducted this retrospective study to assess the maximum carotid clamp time without shunting or EEG monitoring during a CEA without the development of neurological deficits in an already compromised cerebral circulation. RESULTS: Fifteen consecutive patients who underwent CEAs between 1988 and 1999 met our criteria of angiographically documented ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis with contralateral ICA occlusion. The patient presentations included asymptomatic (14%), transient ischemic attack (TIA) (50%), and stroke (36%). All patients were operated under general anesthesia without shunting and only 4 patients underwent EEG monitoring. On angiography, all 15 patients had ipsilateral ICA stenosis (70-99%) and contralateral occlusion. In 54% of patients, the vertebral arteries (VAs) were both patent, while in 46% of patients only 1 VA was patent. Eighty-five percent of patients had at least 1 patent anterior communicating (Pcomm) artery, while 15% had nonvisualized Pcomm arteries bilaterally. Of the 15 patients, 14 had a patent anterior communicating artery. The mean clamp time of the CCA was 18.5 minutes (range 14-30 minutes). None of the 15 patients had new neurological changes immediately postoperatively or during the 6 weeks of follow-up. CONCLUSION: We propose that shunting may not be necessary during CEA for high-grade stenosis with contralateral ICA occlusion, presumably because of adequate distal small vessel collaterals.     

Internal carotid artery occlusion: operative risks and long-term stroke rates after contralateral carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND. To determine the short- and long-term benefits of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) contralateral to an occluded internal carotid (ICA), we reviewed our experience since 1976. METHODS. In 66 (13.8%) of 478 patients undergoing 544 CEAs, the contralateral ICA was occluded. Mean follow-up was 50.1 months (range, 1 to 165 months). Complete follow-up was available in 83.0% of patients. RESULTS. Operative death occurred in one (1.5%) of 66 patients with contralateral occlusion and six (1.3%) of 478 patients without contralateral occlusion (p = 0.99). Operative strokes occurred in two (3.0%) of 66 patients with contralateral occlusion and 14 (2.9%) of 478 without contralateral occlusion (p = 0.99). Life-table stroke-free rates at 1, 3, 5, and 8 years were 96.8%, 93.0%, and 93.0% in patients with contralateral occlusion and 95.9%, 94.2%, 91.1%, and 88.0% in patients without contralateral occlusion (p = 0.36). Five- and 8-year stroke-free rates were 100% and 100% in the asymptomatic subgroup with occlusion, 95.9% and 92.2% in the asymptomatic subgroup without occlusion (p = 0.45), 91.2% and 91.2% in the symptomatic subgroup with occlusion, and 89.7% and 86.8% in the symptomatic subgroup without occlusion (p = 0.47). Life-table survival rates at 5 and 8 years were 72.5% and 56.0% in patients with contralateral occlusion and 81.8% and 69.0% in patients without contralateral occlusion (p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS. CEA performed in patients with and without symptoms with a contralateral ICA occlusion produces short- and long-term mortality and stroke morbidity rates comparable to those of similar patients without contralateral ICA occlusion. The indications for CEA in patients with contralateral ICA occlusion should not differ from those applied to patients without contralateral occlusion.     

External carotid endarterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic patients with internal carotid artery occlusion

In patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, the external carotid artery (ECA) can be both a source of collateral flow and a pathway for emboli. We identified 11 patients with ICA occlusion and ipsilateral ECA stenosis who underwent ECA endarterectomy to determine its role in treating extracranial cerebrovascular disease. Follow-up ranged from 1–65 months, with a mean of 27 months. Seven of eight patients with unilateral disease remained symptom free. The eighth patient had recurrent symptoms that were subsequently diagnosed as hemi-Parkinsonism. Two of three patients with bilateral occlusive disease had developed non-hemispheric symptoms at 12 and 24 months, respectively; the third remains asymptomatic after extracranial-intracranial bypass. None of the seven patients who presented with amaurosis fugax had recurrent visual symptoms. ECA endarterectomy is a safe and effective operation in treating symptomatic patients with ICA occlusion, especially those with transient monocular blindness or unilateral occlusive disease. It is less effective in those patients who have diffuse bilateral occlusive disease.     

The role of external carotid revascularization in the treatment of ocular ischemia

During the past 13 years, 16 patients with visual disturbances, ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, and external carotid artery (ECA) stenosis have had ECA reconstruction. Indications for operation included amaurosis fugax (AF) in five patients, AF and transient ischemic attacks in four patients, ischemic optic neuropathy in two patients, retinal artery occlusion in one patient, and blurry vision and scotomata in four patients. In 12 cases (75%), there were hemodynamically significant contralateral ICA lesions, including four contralateral ICA occlusions. EC endarterectomies were performed in 15 patients, whereas one patient was treated with a bypass graft. One transient neurologic event occurred in the perioperative period (6%). There were no deaths nor permanent neurologic deficits. Patients were followed up for periods of 1 to 60 months (mean 18.4 months). Two patients had AF postoperatively; in one instance, AF was associated with ECA thrombosis 53 months after operation. One patient had a transient ischemic attack when the ECA thrombosed 24 months after operation. This study demonstrates that visual symptoms can occur despite ipsilateral ICA occlusion. ECA revascularization is effective and can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality.     

Surgical management of the occluded carotid artery

Of 36 patients with symptomatic total occlusion of the common carotid and/or internal carotid arteries, ipsilateral operation was performed in 20. Twenty-eight patients had occlusion of the internal carotid artery, four of the common carotid alone, and four had occlusion of both vessels. Thirteen patients had completed stroke. Noninvasive examination erroneously suggested internal carotid patency in three patients. Of six patients with occluded common carotid arteries, two underwent thromboendarterectomy, two underwent saphenous vein bypass, and two underwent Dacron graft bypass procedures. Five patients underwent attempted internal carotid thromboendarterectomy and three patients underwent external carotid endarterectomy. Seven patients underwent primary temporal to middle cerebral bypass procedures. There were no perioperative deaths and no patients had permanent neurologic deterioration. There were two postoperative complications. At follow-up 1 to 43 months after operation, five of six patients who had undergone common carotid revascularization had improved neurologically while other treatment groups had no definite improvement. Revascularization of an occluded common carotid artery is a safe procedure that successfully alleviates symptoms of cerebral ischemia. Internal carotid disobliteration and external carotid endarterectomy alone provide limited neurovascular benefit. Benefits of extracranial-to-intracranial bypass were not apparent from this small series.     

Carotid endarterectomy contralateral to an occluded carotid artery: perioperative risk and late results

To define better the short-term risk and long-term benefit of carotid endarterectomy opposite an occluded carotid artery, we reviewed our experience since 1961. Angiographic data are available for 598 of 670 (89.3%) patients in our carotid registry. In 63 (10.5%) patients the internal or common carotid artery on the side opposite the endarterectomy was occluded. All operations were carried out under general anesthesia with selective shunting based on electroencephalographic criteria. Shunting was required in 29 of 63 (46.0%) patients with contralateral occlusion and 72 of 535 (13.5%) control subjects (p less than 0.0001). Perioperative strokes occurred in 3 of 63 (4.8%) patients with contralateral occlusion and 14 of 535 control subjects (2.6%) (p = 0.23). Perioperative death occurred in 0 of 63 patients with contralateral occlusion and 6 of 535 (1.1%) control subjects (p = 0.40). Life-table cumulative stroke-free rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 95.2%, 91.0%, and 76.2% in the group with contralateral occlusion and 96.0%, 89.4%, and 84.1% in control subjects (p = 0.25). Life-table cumulative survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 93.1%, 80.8%, and 75.4% in the group with contralateral occlusion and 94.8%, 77.0%, and 57.9% in control subjects (p = 0.58). Carotid endarterectomy contralateral to an occluded carotid artery may be carried out with acceptable risk and late stroke-free and survival rates comparable to those seen in other patients who have undergone carotid endarterectomy.     

Carotid surgery following previous carotid endarterectomy is safe and effective

With the perceived high risk of repeat carotid surgery, carotid angioplasty and stenting have been advocated recently as the preferred treatment of recurrent carotid disease following carotid endarterectomy. An experience with the operative treatment of recurrent carotid disease to document the risks and benefits of this procedure is presented. A review of a prospectively acquired vascular registry over a 10-year period (Jan. 1990-Jan. 2000) was undertaken to identify patients undergoing repeat carotid surgery following previous carotid endarterectomy. All patients were treated with repeat carotid endarterectomy, carotid interposition graft, or subclavian-carotid bypass. The perioperative stroke and death rate, operative complications, life-table freedom from stroke, and rates of recurrent stenosis were documented. During the study period 56 patients underwent repeat carotid surgery, comprising 6% of all carotid operations during this period. The indication for operation was symptomatic disease recurrence in 41 cases (73%) and asymptomatic recurrent stenosis >/=80% in 15 cases (27%). The average interval from the prior carotid endarterectomy to the repeat operation was 78 months (range 3 weeks-297 months). The operations performed included repeat carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty in 31 cases (55%), interposition grafts in 19 cases (34%), and subclavian-carotid bypass in 6 cases (11%). There were three perioperative strokes with one resulting in death for a perioperative stroke and death rate of 5.4%. One minor transient cranial nerve (CN IX) injury occurred. Mean follow-up was 29 months (range, 1-116 months). Life-table freedom from stroke was 95% at 1 year and 90% at 5 years. Recurrent stenosis (>/=80%) developed in three patients (5.4%) during follow-up, including one internal carotid artery occlusion. Two patients (3.6%) underwent repeat surgery. Repeat surgery for recurrent cerebrovascular disease following carotid endarterectomy is safe and provides durable freedom from stroke. Most patients are candidates for repeat endarterectomy with patching, but interposition grafting is often required. These results strongly support the continued role of repeat carotid surgery in the treatment of recurrent carotid disease.     

External carotid artery revascularization: indications, operative techniques and results.

The external carotid artery (ECA) is an important collateral pathway in patients with ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion and recurrent symptoms. An ipsilateral ECA revascularization can improve cerebral perfusion or eliminate an embolic source. In the past 11 years 11 patients underwent operation, 6 times for amaurosis fugax and 5 times for transient ischaemic attacks. Eight times ECA endarterectomy was performed for stenosis and/or ulceration. Eight times closure or separation of the ICA stump with thrombus was carried out. There were no perioperative neurological deficits or deaths, with the exception of 3 patients who already had a long-standing deficit due to the ICA occlusion. All patients were relieved of their ocular or hemispheric symptoms in a follow-up period of 8 years. Two late strokes occurred after 1 1/4 and 4 years. Ipsilateral ECA revascularization is an effective and safe operation and has good long-term results.     

Outcome in Patients with Symptomatic Occlusion of the InternalCarotid Artery

OBJECTIVES: to assess whether the risk of recurrent ischaemic stroke in patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion has changed over the past decades, to determine risk factors for the occurrence of ischaemic stroke and to assess the risk of endarterectomy (CEA) of a severe contralateral ICA stenosis. DESIGN: retrospective cohort study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: patients with symptomatic ICA occlusion were identified from duplex registry files between 1991 and 1995. Information was obtained on vascular risk factors, performance of CEA for a contralateral ICA stenosis and on recurrence of ischaemic stroke. The rate of complications occurring within 30 days after CEA of the contralateral ICA in patients with symptomatic ICA occlusion was compared with the risk of CEA in patients with asymptomatic ICA occlusion and severe contralateral ICA stenosis (symptomatic or asymptomatic). RESULTS: ninety-seven patients were identified. Mean follow-up time was 26 months. The annual risk of (non-)fatal stroke was 5.3% for all strokes (95% CI 2. 9%-9.6%) and 3.8% for ipsilateral stroke (95% CI 1.9%-7.7%). Hyperlipidaemia and severe stenosis of the contralateral ICA were independent risk factors. Twenty-two of 32 patients with a severe stenosis of the contralateral ICA underwent CEA, of which one patient died and three suffered a minor ischaemic stroke. The perioperative risk of CEA in the control group of 20 patients with asymptomatic contralateral ICA occlusion was 0% (0 of 20). CONCLUSIONS: outcome in patients with symptomatic ICA occlusion has not substantially improved over the years. CEA for severe stenosis of the contralateral ICA carried a relatively high risk in our series, but deserves to be studied in a controlled design.     

Impact of external carotid artery occlusion at declamping of the external and common carotid arteries during carotid endarterectomy on development of new postoperative ischemic cerebral lesions

Objective

The external carotid artery (ECA) is inadvertently occluded during carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The importance of ECA occlusion has been emphasized as a loss of extracranial to intracranial collaterals, a source of chronic embolization, or a site for extended thrombosis during wound closure. This study aimed to determine whether ECA occlusion that inadvertently developed during endarterectomy and that was eventually detected using blood flow measurement of the ECA after declamping of all carotid arteries is a risk factor for development of new postoperative ischemic lesions at declamping of the ECA and common carotid artery (CCA) while clamping the internal carotid artery (ICA). This study also aimed to determine whether intraoperative transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring predicts the risk for development of such lesions.