Durability of Carotid Endarterectomy

Robert D. Ecker, Mark A. Pichelmann, Irene Meissner, Fredric B. Meyer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and Purpose-We sought to determine the incidence of recurrent stenosis after carotid endarterectomy. Methods-One thousand consecutive carotid endarterectomy patients were followed prospectively. The surgery was performed in a standard fashion. Cerebral protection was provided with intraoperative electroencephalographic monitoring and selective shunting. All arteriotomies were repaired with a patch graft. Each patient was seen 3 months after surgery and then yearly, with a duplex ultrasound obtained at each visit. Evidence for new ischemic events or recurrent stenosis of ≥70% was recorded. Results-The 30-day combined minor and major stroke and death rate was 1.9%. At 7.1-year follow-up, 0.1% of patients had recurrent stenosis ≥70%, the majority of which were asymptomatic. Conclusions-Carotid endarterectomy is a low-risk procedure for the treatment of carotid occlusive disease, with excellent long-term durability. Although less invasive, carotid angioplasty must demonstrate equal robustness in long-term follow-up before it is considered a routine alternative to surgery.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2941-2944
Number of pages4
JournalStroke
Volume34
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2003

Keywords

  • Carotid endarterectomy
  • Stenosis
  • Stroke

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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