[Indications of intraluminal shunt. In carotid surgery]

The essential clamping during carotid artery surgery requires different procedures for cerebral protection. Most surgeons prefer the use of an intra-luminal shunt allowing conservation of a part of the proximal carotid artery. A study was conducted to compare two statistically similar series of 50 patients (with a residual pressure of less than 50 mmHg) treated or not by intra-luminal shunts. Results showed a significant difference with respect to early postoperative neurologic accidents between the groups operated without (8% accidents) and with (0%) shunts. Precise indications for the use of this procedure are discussed in relation to pre- and peri-operative findings, with the aim of reducing the incidence of postoperative neurologic complications.