Cardiovascular: Carotid Endarterectomy

In this chapter the essential aspects of anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy are discussed. Subtopics include transient ischemic attacks, cerebral monitoring, shunt placement, and cerebral blood flow management. The chapter is divided into preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative sections with important subtopics related to the main topic in each section. Preoperative topics include cardiac and neurological assessment and taking into account the patient’s hypertension. Issues discussed related to intraoperative management include considerations regarding use of general or regional anesthesia in this case, monitoring with electroencephalography, induction, and addressing cerebral ischemia. Postoperative concerns discussed are postoperative airway distress, potential hematoma, and treating hypertension.