Preoperative digital carotid compression as a predictor of the need for shunting during carotid endarterectomy.

Abstract

This study prospectively attempted to assess the need for shunting by preoperative digital compression of the proximal common carotid artery and correlated these findings with intraoperative assessment while performing carotid endarterectomy under local anaesthesia. Preoperative digital compression is highly predictive of the need for shunting intra-operatively and can be used as a valuable test in carefully chosen patients. This may help in decreasing the need for advanced neurological monitoring during carotid endarterectomy.