Routine operative arteriography following carotid endarterectomy
Blaisdell, F.M.
Surgery 83(1): 114-115
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-6060 PMID: 619469 Document Number: 130204
Andersen, Collins and Rich [1978] discussed the use of routine operative arteriography following carotid endarterectomy in 131 operations. They concluded that the potential complications outweigh the benefits of using arteriography and they recommended that it be used only in certain specific situations. The author agrees with their recommendations regarding the optimal circumstances under which arteriography should be used. When operative technique is evaluated by arteriography, such techniques improve, so that ultimately the need for using arteriography is reduced. The author takes issue, however, with the premise that the technical defect incidence of 5.3% in their series is not sufficient to warrant routine use of arteriography. In none of the 6 patients in whom the defect was observed and corrected did a subsequent neurological defect develop. Complications related to arteriography in the author's experience have been negligible.