Percutaneous carotid interventions with a difficult aortic arch

Abstract

Anatomic factors that increase the risk of carotid artery interventions include complex aortic arch, brachiocephalic arterial disease, severe carotid lesion calcification, and visible thrombus. A safe and smooth passage through the aortic arch is first required to get access to the carotid arteries in order to perform the appropriate intervention. An understanding of the arch anatomy is essential in planning such an intervention.