Effects of Carotid Endarterectomy on the External Carotid Artery
Author Information
Author(s): Abbas Saleh, David Adams, Peter Vanniasingham
Primary Institution: Middlemore hospital; Department of Surgery, Auckland, New Zealand
Hypothesis
The effect of carotid endarterectomy on the patency of the external carotid artery is unknown.
Conclusion
Carotid endarterectomy results in asymptomatic stenosis of the external carotid artery in a small percentage of patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Carotid endarterectomy was performed on 255 occasions in 236 patients over ten years.
- Stenosis of the external carotid artery occurred in 5.5% of patients and was totally asymptomatic.
- The mean follow-up with duplex ultrasound scan was 3 years.
Takeaway
When doctors do surgery to clear blocked arteries in the neck, some patients might have a small blockage in another artery, but it usually doesn't cause any problems.
Methodology
A retrospective study was conducted using data from patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy between 1997 and 2006, with follow-up using duplex ultrasound.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may not capture all complications or long-term outcomes.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 72 years, with 143 males and 93 females.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval 2.7–3.3 years
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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