Internal carotid artery reconstruction with transposition of external carotid artery in carotid body tumor resection

The current treatment of Shamblin's class III carotid body tumors includes a variety of reconstructive techniques for the internal carotid artery, ranging from angioplasty to the use of various grafts such as autologous saphenous vein or synthetic shunts. We present the case of a 56-year-old female patient with a carotid body tumor. The diagnosis and therapeutic approach is discussed, as well as the surgical technique and postoperative outcome. In those cases where the carotid body tumor involves the internal carotid artery to the point that its sacrifice is imminent and synthetic grafts are not available, reconstruction of the internal carotid artery with transposition of the external carotid artery is recommended.