Optimal exposure of the internal carotid artery for endarterectomy
Depalma, R.G.
Surgery Gynecology and Obstetrics 144(2): 249-250
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-6087 PMID: 835067 Document Number: 115405
The lesion usually encountered in human carotid endarterectomy is a segmental ulcerating or stenotic atheroma at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. In most instances the plaque is limited in extent, usually involving the interal carotid artery for a distance of 1.0-1.5 cm. Occasionally atheromatous involvement extends more cephalad into the internal carotid artery. In such instances optimal exposure and removal of the distal segment of the plaque may be difficult through the conventional arteriotomy at the bifurcation. A method was developed to obtain more extensive exposure of the internal carotid artery for optimal visualization and control.