Carotid Endarterectomy Using Lone Star Retractor System

Cervical carotid disease is typical atherosclerosis, which is responsible for ischemic stroke. The effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for advanced carotid stenosis has been established in many large studies, and CEA is the gold standard in surgical treatment. On the other hand, endovascular carotid artery stenting (CAS) has become increasingly popular recently. It is very important to avoid any complications to maintain the effectiveness of CEA. The retractor device is important for the exposure of carotid arteries and for the safe surgical manipulation. We have started to use lone star retractor system (LSRS) to deploy the surgical field. LSRS provides the usability to handle and a shallower surgical field without the disturbance of surgical manipulation. And it can facilitate exposure of the distal internal carotid artery because surgeon can retract freely in whole circumference by towing with moderate strength. LSRS may bring the smoother and easier surgical manipulations in CEA.