Techniques in carotid artery surgery

The major objective in carotid endarterectomy is to achieve safe and complete removal of intimal plaque and provide lasting, nonstenotic closure. Controversy exists as to which technical variation best achieves this. In this paper, the authors review the operative nuances and outcomes with conventional and eversion endarterectomy, with a focus on the latter. The views expressed reflect specific neurosurgical and vascular perspectives in the context of a multi-disciplinary stroke unit, where carotid stenosis is managed with all available open and endovascular means. The neurosurgical approach was almost entirely conventional endarterectomy with primary repair, while the vascular surgeons used the eversion method with few exceptions.