Extracranial Blood Flow Distribution During Carotid Surgery

AbstractObjectiveThe collateral function of the external carotid artery (ECA) for cerebral perfusion in cases of atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is difficult to assess; for this reason, blood flow measurements were taken during carotid endarterectomy (CEA).MethodsBlood flow was measured before and after CEA using a transit-time flow meter at the carotid artery in 1000 patients who underwent CEA for high-degree (>70%) ICA stenosis. The data were collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively.ResultsMedian ICA blood flow increased significantly, up 46% from 160mlmin−1 (IQR: 100–234mlmin−1) before CEA to 240mlmin−1 (IQR: 187–309mlmin1) after CEA (P