Efficacy of Intraoperative Echogram with Small Probes for Carotid Endarterectomy

Abstract

It is critical to confirm the condition of the upper end of the stenotic lesion in the carotid endarterectomy (CEA), especially for high-positioned lesions. An alternative is required to evaluate a carotid stenosis without an iodine angiogram. We used an intraoperative carotid echogram by small probes with a curved stick or a flexible cable in the CEA for those cases. The small probes could be inserted even in the narrow operative field of high-positioned lesions. They were useful to evaluate the upper end of the stenotic lesion, thick calcifications and the patency of the carotid artery just after the suture. We were able to mark the upper end of plaques on the arterial wall exactly and very easily.
The intraoperative carotid echogram with small probes is a very useful tool to make a CEA safe.