Carotid Endarterectomy Without Indwelling Shunts and Intraoperative Electrophysiologic Monitoring

Abstract

Although carotid endarterectomy is a common surgical procedure in North America, controversies exist regarding the type of anesthesia, the use of indwelling shunts and the need for intraoperative cerebral monitoring. We present a prospective study of 100 carotid endarterectomies performed over a three year period by a single surgeon without the use of indwelling shunts, patch grafts, or EEG monitoring. The combined stroke and mortality rate was 1%. Our results confirm those of other authors; that indwelling shunts and EEG monitoring are not absolutely essential for a satisfactory outcome in carotid endarterectomies. © 1987, Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation. All rights reserved.