Shunt use in carotid endarterectomy: A devastating complication

Shunt practice in Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) surgery is a grey area. There have been few reports of complications with the use of shunts and there is no clear evidence as to whether they are beneficial to the patient. We present a case of proximal dissection of the carotid artery caused by a shunt leading to permanent brain damage complicated by intra-operative and post-operative haemodynamic instability. We also conducted a short survey among UK vascular surgeons which revealed a variation in shunt use and diverse complications. This case report aims to highlight a devastating shunt complication in CEA surgery and the necessity for further research into the routine use of shunts in CEA surgery.