Application of fenestrated aneurysm clip for incomplete clamping of the common carotid artery during carotid endarterectomy - Technical note

Abstract

Complete occlusion of the common carotid artery with blood vessel forceps may be prevented by hard atherosclerotic plaque during carotid endarterectomy. Incomplete clamping can be recognized via insertion of an elastic catheter, connected to a pressure transducer, into the common carotid artery. Application of a straight fenestrated clip parallel to the clamp avoids the plaque and occludes the vessel more distal to the fulcrum of the clamp, achieving complete arterial occlusion without applying excessive closing force on the artery.