Carotid endarterectomy after Doppler ultrasonographic examination without angiography

We prospectively reviewed our experience with 32 carotid endarterectomies in 30 patients performed without angiography in a 7 year period. Although this represents 6.7 percent of our total experience with carotid endarterectomy in this period, carotid endarterectomy without angiography is increasing and comprises 17 percent of the last 2 years' total. We have adhered to strict criteria for patient selection that identifies circumstances for a safe operative experience in seven broad categories. Evidence is also presented to reduce an overriding concern for intracranial aneurysms and siphon stenosis if either one exists unrecognized. We are hopeful that in the future, the latter will be identified by intracranial Doppler studies currently being performed. Our experience in this small series has been favorable, with intraoperatively measured lesions equal to the preoperative noninvasive predictions. We suggest that Doppler ultrasonography in its current form can be effectively used in place of conventional angiography or digital subtraction angiography in selected patients.