The hypoglossal nerve in carotid arterial reconstructions

Abstract

The importance of hypoglossal nerve in performing carotid arterial reconstructions has been illustrated by two case reports. Unilateral palsy is troublesome but bilateral damage may result in upper airway obstruction. Simple surgical maneuvers consisting of division of the sternocleidomastoid artery and vein and freeing up of the descendens hypoglossus permit nontraumatic retraction of the nerve, avoiding tongue paralysis. © 1972 American Heart Association, Inc.