Carotid endarterectomy contralateral to an occluded carotid artery: a retrospective case-control study

Update in the treatment of extracranial atherosclerotic disease for stroke prevention

Stroke is a leading cause of adult mortality and disability worldwide. Extracranial atherosclerotic disease (ECAD), primarily, carotid artery stenosis, accounts for approximately 18%–25% of ischaemic stroke. Recent advances in neuroimaging, medical therapy and interventional management have led to A significant reduction of stroke from carotid artery stenosis. The current treatment of ECAD includes optimal medical therapy, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). The selection of treatments depends on symptomatic status, severity of stenosis, individual factors, efficacy and risk of complications. The aim of this paper is to review current evidence and guidelines on the management of carotid artery stenosis, including the comparison of medical and interventional therapy (CAS and CEA), as well as future directions.

Can a closed carotid artery be reopened?

Carotid occlusion is a disease that presents a difficult decision for the treating provider. Traditionally, many providers would opt for expectant management with risk factor reduction and supportive therapy. There is a growing body of literature however pointing to possible improved outcomes of more aggressive treatments, including reopening of the occluded carotid. In this review, we discuss the difficulties involved in diagnosing a patient presenting with symptomatic carotid occlusion, the natural history of the disease, and the emerging treatment options and paradigms of different institutions based on recent literature.

Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients with Contralateral Carotid Artery Occlusion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the 30-day outcome of carotid endarterectomy in patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion and compare it to that in patients with patent contralateral carotid artery. We compared 2,959 carotid endarterectomies performed in patients with patent contralateral internal carotid artery to 373 carotid endarterectomies performed in patients with occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery in the same institute between 1988 and 2004. Patient demographics, surgical and anesthesiological strategy, perioperative neurological and cardiac events, and deaths were compared. The patients were grouped and analyzed according to the presence or absence of symptoms and to their gender. No significant difference was shown in perioperative cardiological and neurological events and deaths in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion versus patients without contralateral carotid occlusion. Females had significant more neurological events than males, in both the asymptomatic (P < 0.001) and symptomatic (P = 0.02) groups. Concomitant occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery was not associated with increased risk of perioperative cardiological or neurological adverse events. However, female gender was associated with higher risk for adverse neurological events.

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.

High-Risk Carotid Endarterectomy

"High-risk" carotid endarterectomy (CEA): fact or fiction? To answer this question we reviewed the available evidence starting from controlled randomized trials, through retrospective population- and large institution-based studies to case-series. CEA can be performed in most "high-risk" patients with low mortality and morbidity. A broad concept of high-risk CEA, based merely on exclusion from previous controlled randomized CEA trials, cannot be justified. The vast majority of evidence suggests that age (> or =80 years) per se should not be considered a high-risk criterion for CEA. However, it appears that there are certain individual risk factors, which may influence outcome adversely. It appears that CEA in the setting of contralateral carotid occlusion may be associated with very slightly increased risk of adverse perioperative events. Local risk factors, namely carotid reoperation and CEA following prior cervical radiation therapy, are associated with slightly increased stroke, death and probably cranial nerve injury rates. If these risk factors are frequent in a particular series the overall outcome of CEA will be worse. In the absence of level-one evidence on the long-term efficacy of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in stroke prophylaxis, selection for CAS should be restricted to well-defined high-risk categories, such as severe medical comorbidities or local-anatomic risk factors.

Carotid endarterectomy with contralateral carotid artery occlusion: is this a higher risk subgroup?

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate early and mid-term term results of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patient with and without contralateral carotid occlusion.

METHODS

between 1996 and 1999, 1324 CEAs were performed. In 82 patients contralateral carotid artery occlusion was present (group I); 1242 patients had patent contralateral carotid (group II). All patients were operated under general anaesthesia, and selective shunting was based on somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). Ultrasonographic follow-up was performed at 1, 6 and 12 months and then once a year. Early results and follow-up data were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

in group I there was a significantly higher incidence of SEPs reduction and shunt insertion; however, there were no differences in terms of perioperative complications. The cumulative stroke and death rate at 30 days in group 1 and group 2 were 2.4% vs 1.4% (p=n.s.), respectively. At a mean follow-up of 15 months there were no differences between the two groups in terms of cumulative symptom-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

the presence of contralateral carotid occlusion caused an increased use of shunt, but not in early complications rates.

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.

Reconstructive surgery of the extracranial arteries

The first carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is usually accredited to Eastcott who reported in 1954 the successful incision of a diseased carotid bulb with end-to-end anastomosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) to the common carotid artery (CCA). During the following years surgeons were quick to adopt and improve the intuitively attractive procedure. But by the early to mid 1980s several leading neurologists began to question the growing number of CEAs performed at that time. Six major CEA trials were then designed which are now completed or nearing completion. Most conclusive data are available from the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) for symptomatic carotid disease, and from the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (ACAS) for asymptomatic carotid disease. The key result of these studies is that CEA is beneficial to high grade symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis. While the benefit in symptomatic disease is clear, it may be negligible in asymptomatic patients suffering from other medical conditions, the most important being coronary artery disease. Since the conclusions from the different studies vary significantly, guidelines and recommendations with regard to CEA have been issued by a number of interest groups, so-called consensus conferences. The best known guidelines are published by the American Heart Association (AHA). However, the practice of interest groups to issue guidelines is currently being criticized, the main reason being that interest groups have different ideas and all claim the right to issue guidelines. At present we recommend CEA for symptomatic high-grade stenosis in patients without significant coincident disease. With regard to asymptomatic stenosis we suggest surgery to otherwise healthy patients if the stenosis is very narrow or progressive. Preoperative evaluation has changed over the years. Currently we recommend duplex sonography in combination with intra- and extracranial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Concurrent coronary artery disease is a major consideration in the perioperative management, and the use of a specific algorithm is recommended. Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia with intraoperative monitoring such as electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial Doppler (TCD). A temporary intraluminal shunt is used selectively if after cross-clamping the flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) falls to below 30 to 40% of baseline. For years we employed routine barbiturate neuroprotection during cross-clamping. At the present time we use barbiturate selectively, if the flow velocity in the MCA falls to below 30 to 40% of baseline and if the use of a temporary intraluminal shunt is not possible due to difficult anatomic conditions. The reason to abandon systematic barbiturate protection was to accelerate recovery from anaesthesia. Our patients are monitored overnight on the ICU or a surveillance unit. Routine hospitalization after surgery is 5 to 7 days with a control duplex sonography being performed prior to discharge. A number of details with regard to surgical technique and perioperative management are a matter of discussion. Our surgical routine is described here step by step. Such management resulted in 6 major complications among the 402 cases with 4 of cardiopulmonary and 2 of cerebrovascular origin. For the future we can expect the development of percutaneous transluminal techniques competing with standard carotid endarterectomy. At the present time several comparative studies are under way. Irrespective of the technical approach to treat carotid stenosis, several other issues have to be clarified before long. One of the major unresolved items is the timing of treatment after completed stroke. In this regard prospective trials need to be performed. Although numerically not as important as carotid stenosis, vertebral artery (VA) and subclavian artery (SA) stenoses are more and more accepted as indication for surgical

Carotid endarterectomy in an awake patient with contralateral carotid occlusion: influence of selective shunting

The objectives of this study were to determine whether the presence of a contralateral carotid occlusion increases risk and whether the perioperative results are influenced by a systematic or selective policy of shunting during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in an awake patient. In a retrospective study we compared patients with and without contralateral carotid occlusion (group I, n = 198 - group II, n = 1068) who required CEA. In 77 patients of group I, a shunt was systematically adopted (subgroup A); in the other 121 patients (subgroup B) and in all patients of group II a selective shunting policy was adopted. The risk for the patients with contralateral carotid occlusion was not significantly higher than that for patients without occlusion. Results were not influenced by systematic/selective shunting policy, and the incidence of signs of cerebral ischemia was higher in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion.

Coexistent coronary and cerebrovascular disease: results of simultaneous surgical management in specific patient groups

OBJECTIVE

Results of synchronous combined revascularization were examined in specific patient groups with coexistent coronary and cerebrovascular diseases.

METHODS

Between 1.1.1980 and 31.12.1998, 408 patients underwent a synchronous combined carotid endarterectomy (CEA)+myocardial revascularization (CABG). In 259 (63.5%) patients, carotid disease was asymptomatic. Remaining patients presented with a previous stroke (n=35) or a transient ischemic episode (TIA) (n=114). In 245 (60%) patients, carotid stenosis was bilateral (Group A: bilateral > or =80% stenosis, Group B: contralateral occlusion, Group C: contralateral subcritical disease). A synchronous ipsilateral CEA+CABG was performed in all patients with an unilateral disease (n=163) and also in all Group B (n=33) and Group C (n=142) patients with bilateral disease. A simultaneous bilateral CEA+CABG was performed in 12 high risk Group A patients. Remaining Group A patients (n=58), initially underwent an ipsilateral CEA for most dominant lesion+CABG, soon followed by the contralateral CEA. Results were examined in above specific patient Groups.

RESULTS

Overall combined hospital mortality from stroke+myocardial infarction was 2.45%. No independent predictor of stroke was identified. In general, initial prophylactic CEA, subdued the risk of subsequent strokes for 7-8yr. Predictors of a late stroke were: progression of bilateral (P=0.007) and intracranial (P=0.04) cerebrovascular disease. Highest risk of an early stroke was recorded in Group A patients. A composite high risk group of patients with multiple risk factors (n=155) demonstrated a higher risk of both early and late strokes, as compared to the remaining patients (n=253) (P<0.04). Observed risk of early and late strokes, in specific patient groups was lower than standard predictions.

CONCLUSIONS

A regular use of combined approach was justified in the above patient groups.

Perioperative and late stroke rates of carotid endarterectomy contralateral to carotid artery occlusion : results from a randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Several previous studies have reported the benefits of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) contralateral to carotid occlusion with mixed results, but none of these were randomized except for the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of surgery in patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion in a randomized trial in which randomization was done according to the method of closure.

METHODS

In 399 CEAs (357 patients) that were randomized into primary closure versus patching, 49 had contralateral occlusion. Strokes were designated as ipsilateral if they arose from the same CEA side and contralateral if they arose from the occluded side. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate perioperative strokes and stroke-free survival in patients with contralateral occlusion (group A) versus those without contralateral occlusion (group B).

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics and mean follow-up for both groups were similar (group A, 40 months; group B, 33 months). Group A had a higher incidence of contralateral transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) (12.2% versus 0.9%; P<0.0001), contralateral strokes (2% versus 0%; P=0.025), and combined contralateral TIAs/strokes (14.3% versus 0.9%; P<0.0001). The rates for perioperative and all strokes (operative and late) were 2% and 4. 1% (2% ipsilateral and 2% contralateral strokes) for group A and 2. 9% and 3.4% (all ipsilateral) for group B (P=0.60 and 0.85, respectively). The rates for perioperative and all TIAs were 0% and 14.3% for group A versus 2.6% and 6.3% for group B (P=0.918 and P=0. 08, respectively). The rates for perioperative and all neurological events (TIA and stroke) were 2% and 18.4% for group A and 5.4% and 9. 7% for group B (P=0.27 and 0.113, respectively). The cumulative stroke-free survival rates at 5 years were 84% for group A and 77% for group B (P>0.1). The cumulative stroke-free survival rates at 5 years for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in group A and group B were also similar. The perioperative and late deaths were similar for both groups (group A, 8%; group B, 14%).

CONCLUSIONS

Group A had a higher incidence of contralateral TIAs and strokes than group B; however, the perioperative and all late stroke rates and survival rates of CEA were comparable in patients with and without contralateral occlusion.

Outcome in patients with symptomatic occlusion of the internal carotid 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.

Carotid artery angioplasty and use of stents in high-risk patients with contralateral occlusions

OBJECT

The risks associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) are increased in the presence of contralateral carotid artery (CA) occlusion. The 30-day stroke and death rate for patients in the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) who had contralateral CA occlusion was 14.3%. The authors analyze their experience with angioplasty and/or stent placement in patients with contralateral CA occlusion to determine the safety and efficacy of endoluminal revascularization in this subgroup.

METHODS

Twenty-six procedures were evaluated in 23 patients with high-grade CA stenosis and contralateral CA occlusion. The first 15 procedures were evaluated retrospectively, and the next 11 prospectively. All patients had severe medical comorbidities and were considered too high risk for CEA, even without considering the contralateral occlusion. Clinical follow-up review was performed an average of 18 months later (median 15 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The average ipsilateral CA stenosis according to NASCET criteria was 78% preprocedure and 5% postprocedure. There were no changes in neurological or functional outcome immediately postoperatively in any patient. The 30-day postoperative stroke and death rates were zero. However, there was one symptomatic femoral hematoma that resolved without surgery. At follow up, there were three patients who had suffered stroke or death. One patient died secondary to respiratory arrest at 2 months; one died secondary to prostate carcinoma at 12 months; and one patient experienced a minor stroke contralateral to the treated artery at 41 months. Despite the substantial preoperative risk factors in patients in this series, the 30-day stroke and death rate for angioplasty and/or stent placement appears to be lower than that of CEA in patients with contralateral occlusions.

Influence of the status of the contralateral carotid artery on the outcome of carotid surgery

From 1985 to 1995, 747 carotid arteries were operated on in 694 patients, who were under general anesthesia and continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring. These patients were divided into three groups according to contralateral carotid status. Group 1 consisted of 58 patients who had contralateral occlusion; group 2, 53 patients who had contralateral stenosis and bilateral staged surgery; and group 3, 583 patients who had nonstenotic contralateral internal carotid artery. All groups were similar with regard to age and sex ratio. There were more asymptomatic patients in group 3 than in group 1 (39.9% vs. 25.8%) (p < 0.05), and less preoperative strokes in group 2 than in the other groups (3.7% vs. 17.2% and 13. 6%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Among risk factors, smoking was less frequent in group 3 (59.5%) than in group 1 (82.7%) and group 2 (77%) (p < 0.01), and coronary artery disease was more frequent in group 2 (60%) than in group 1 (32.7%) and Group 3 (26.4%) (p < 0.01). EEG changes occurred more frequently in group 1 (25.8%) than in group 2 [5.6% (first stage) and 3.8% (second stage)] and in group 3 (4.9%) (p < 0.01). A shunt was used only when EEG changes did not disappear after pharmacologic increasing of central blood pressure, which occurred more frequently in group 1 (10.3%) than in group 2 (0%) and group 3 (0.3%) (p < 0.05). The combined morbidity/mortality rate was similar for groups 1 and 3 (1.7% and 1.5%, respectively), however, transient morbidity was more frequent in group 1 (6.9%) than in group 3 (1.5%) (p < 0.05). The combined morbidity/mortality rate was higher in group 2 than in group 3 (7.5% vs. 1.5%) (p < 0. 05), and all strokes in group 2 were seen during the second-stage operation. In conclusion, contralateral carotid artery occlusion had minimal influence over carotid surgery results. Selective use of a shunt based on EEG monitoring prevented ischemic strokes, with minimal neurologic morbidity. Contralateral carotid stenosis did not affect operative strategy for first stage, but we noted a higher incidence of strokes during the second procedure.

Carotid endarterectomy outcome is not affected in patients with a contralateral carotid artery occlusion

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this retrospective patient/control patient study was to determine perioperative risk and long-term benefits of carotid endarterectomy contralateral to an occluded internal carotid artery.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy contralateral to an occluded internal carotid artery were each paired with two control group patients (n = 74) undergoing carotid endarterectomy contralateral to a patent internal carotid artery. Patients preferentially underwent electroencephalographic monitoring, selective shunting, and patch angioplasty for vessel closure.

RESULTS

The perioperative rate of stroke or death was 5% (n = 2) in the occluded group and 3% (n = 2) in the control group. Ninety-two percent of the occluded group and 96% of the control patients were stroke-free over a mean follow-up of 23.8 and 27.2 months, respectively. No statistical difference was noted between groups for perioperative rate of stroke or death (P = 0.60), mean stroke-free rates (P = 0.37), stroke rate by life-table analysis (P = 0.33), or survival by life-table analysis (P = 0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who have carotid endarterectomy performed contralateral to an occluded internal carotid artery showed no difference for perioperative stroke or death, late stroke, or survival.

Role of transcranial Doppler and stump pressure during carotid endarterectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to clarify the pathophysiology of perioperative cerebral complications during carotid endarterectomy in our series.

METHODS

By means of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and stump pressure measurement, we monitored 112 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy under general anesthesia for symptomatic or asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis.

RESULTS

Of 18 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy with intra-arterial shunt, 2 (11.1%) developed an ischemic stroke. Of the other 94 patients, one suffered a nucleocapsular hemorrhage and 5 had cerebral ischemic complications. In these 5 patients, the duration of clamping was significantly longer (mean +/- SD, 16.4 +/- 1.1 versus 12.7 +/- 2.6 minutes; P = .0019), and the decrease of middle cerebral artery mean velocity on clamping was significantly greater (mean +/- SD, 56.4 +/- 4.9% versus 28.8 +/- 20.2%; P = .0031), while stump pressure was not significantly different. Microembolic signals were recorded in 70 patients (62.5%) and were not associated with cerebral ischemic complications. The 7 patients who developed cerebral ischemic complications had a significantly higher percentage of stenosis in the contralateral internal carotid artery (mean +/- SD, 82.0 +/- 17.8% versus 29.3 +/- 36.4%; P = .0018).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest that the major complications of carotid endarterectomy may be due to hemodynamic factors. Stump pressure alone is not a reliable indicator of hemodynamic changes that predict cerebral ischemia. Particulate microembolism may cause more subtle changes in cerebral parenchyma, but further studies are needed to clarify this point.

Carotid endarterectomy in the U.K. and Ireland: audit of 30-day outcome. The Audit Committee for the Vascular Surgical Society

OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN

A prospective study of 709 patients undergoing carotid surgery in the U.K. and Ireland was performed to evaluate the performance of vascular surgeons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-nine surgeons (range 2-39 cases each) were sampled and all patients undergoing surgery over a 6-month period (1 March 1994-31 August 1994) were included in the study. Indications for surgery were TIA (35.9%), AF (23.3%), CVA (21.4%) and "others" (19.6%).

RESULTS

Mean ipsilateral stenosis was 82% (30%-99%). Thirty-one percent of patients had preoperative neurological consults. Shunts were used in 67.6%, tacking sutures in 40.1%, drains in 71.9% and patches in 54.4% of cases. At 30 days there were nine (1.3%) deaths (four cardiac, three neurological). There were 15 ipsilateral postoperative CVAs (2.1%); 19% of patients had one or more complication, usually minor. Statistical analysis showed no independent risk factor for CVA other than seniority of the surgeon.

CONCLUSIONS

A combined stroke/death rate of 3% for the series was obtained at 30 days for all cases. This large, validated study suggests that members of the Vascular Society of G.B. and Ireland currently have a very low morbidity/mortality rate for performing carotid surgery. Continued audit is required to ensure that this quality of service does not deteriorate.

Symptomatic carotid artery occlusion. A reappraisal of hemodynamic factors

BACKGROUND

Over the last several years evidence has accumulated that in addition to embolism, a compromised cerebral blood flow may play an important role in causing transient ischemic attacks and ischemic stroke in patients with occlusion of the internal carotid artery. This evidence is found in both clinical features and ancillary investigations, particularly measurements of cerebral blood flow.

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

On the basis of 20 follow-up studies in patients with transient ischemic attacks or minor ischemic stroke associated with an occluded carotid artery, the annual risk of stroke was 5.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.0% to 6.0%), and that of ipsilateral stroke (distinguished in 11 of the 20 studies) was 2.1% (95% CI, 1.6% to 2.8%). Patients with a compromised cerebral blood flow as measured by positron emission tomography, single-photon emission CT, transcranial Doppler, or stable xenon CT (six studies) have an even higher annual risk of stroke (all strokes: 12.5%; 95% CI, 8.9% to 17.6%; ipsilateral stroke: 9.5%; 95% CI, 6.4% to 14.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Because a compromised cerebral blood flow may be an important causal factor in patients with symptomatic carotid artery occlusion, medical and surgical options for treatment are reviewed in this light.

Eversion versus conventional carotid endarterectomy: a prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To analyse comparatively eversion and conventional CEA for later association with restenosis, perioperative stroke/death and ipsilateral cerebrovascular events (early, late, disabling and non-disabling).

DESIGN

Prospective non-randomised clinical study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 469 patients underwent 514 procedures; 274 (53%) eversion CEA and 240 (47%) conventional CEA. Perioperative monitoring was carried out by clinical evaluation under local anaesthesia or by transcranial Doppler under general anaesthesia. Follow-up was carried out by clinical evaluation and Duplex scanning.

RESULTS

Clamping time was significantly shorter in the eversion group (25.5 +/- 7.4 vs. 28.3 +/- 10.1 min; p = 0.0001; CI delta 4.40/1.12). The perioperative disabling stroke/death rate was 0.7% for eversion vs. 1.2% for conventional CEA, p = 0.6; odds ratio (OR), 0.58. There were two early carotid occlusions (within 30 days) in both groups. According to life-table analysis, after 3 years the probability of > 50% carotid restenosis was significantly lower in the eversion group (2.2% vs. 6.9%, p = 0.03; relative risk reduction 67%). There were no significant differences between the two groups relative to new cerebrovascular events (92% in both groups, p = 0.6). Using multivariate analysis (Cox regression), eversion CEA, and to a lesser extent standard CEA with patch, appeared to protect the vessel from restenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The eversion technique was associated with reduced clamping time and probability of restenosis. However, because of the nature of a non-randomised study, the present analysis should be confirmed by a multicentre randomised trial.

Computerised tomography findings as a risk factor in carotid endarterectomy: early and late results

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether preoperative CT evidence of brain infarction is associated with an increased risk of early and late stroke and death in patients undergoing CEA.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated 844 CT scanning records from 893 patients undergoing CEA from 1986-1994: 43% (367) CT positive for cerebral infarction and 57% (477) negative. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed for risk factors and preoperative symptoms in patients with positive and negative CT scans, and Kaplan Meier survival curves for late events.

RESULTS

A positive CT was significantly more frequent in males vs. females (p < 0.0001; O.R. 2.52; C.I. 1.73-3.73), diabetics vs. non-diabetics (p = 0.03; O.R. 1.52; C.I. 1.03-2.26), symptomatics vs. asymptomatics (p < 0.001; O.R. 2; C.I. 1.93-3.53) and contralateral occlusion vs. patency (p < 0.001; O.R. 2; C.I. 1.30-3.10). The perioperative disabling stroke/ death rate was higher in patients with a positive CT (p = 0.002; O.R. 6.27; C.I. 1.73-34.20); in asymptomatic patients this difference was striking (5 patients vs. O, p = 0.0002). Multiple logistic regression analysis for risk factors, CT findings, symptoms preceding surgery, and congruity of brain infarction confirmed a significantly higher incidence of perioperative stroke/death rate (p = 0.003; O.R. 6.37; C.I. 5.12-7.63) and early and late stroke (p = 0.02; O.R. 1.95; C.I. 1.38-2.53) and death (p = 0.0005; O.R. 2.38; C.I. 1.89-2.88) in patients with brain lesions. After 7 years, the survival rate (p = 0.0009) and stroke-free interval (p = 0.003) were lower in patients with a positive CT. After 5 years, in asymptomatic patients the survival rate (p = 0.003) and stroke-free interval (p = 0.01) were lower in the positive CT group.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive CT finding, regardless of congruity of the lesion, should be regarded as an indicator of an increased risk of stroke and death in patients scheduled for carotid surgery, especially in those with asymptomatic stenosis.