Carotid endarterectomy: an alternative approach
A. D. Whittemore
Ninety-six consecutive carotid endarterectomies were carried out with each
patient under regional anesthesia and with the routine use of an indwelling
arterial shunt. When combined on a routine basis, the theoretical
advantages derived from each technique become additive such that maximal
cerebral protection afforded by the shunt is continuously monitored by an
awake patient. The validity of this approach in a teaching setting is
evidenced by a low (1%) mortality and morbidity and by an exceptional
degree of patient compliance.
