Reduced Risk of Carotid Ligation After the Balloon Occlusion Test by the Swan-Ganz Method

Abstract

It is important to determine the safety of internal carotid artery (ICA) ligation in order to identify those patients who are likely to develop severe cerebral ischemia if this procedure is carried out. For the purpose of reducing the risk of ICA ligation, temporary balloon occlusion by the Swan-Ganz method was performed. Observations of neurological state (tolerance test) and carotid artery back pressure, A-J blood sampling for gas analysis (PjO₂,% CBF reduction), cerebral angiography for assessing collateral circulation, EEG monitoring, and rCBF measurement by the xenon inhalation method were undertaken during temporary ICA occlusion.
Our diagnostic procedure allows the risk associated with ICA ligation to be estimated more exactly.