The asymptomatic bruit

A review of 144 carotid endarterectomies performed in 108 patients at the Oklahoma Health Science Center over the past six years showed an acceptable operative morbidity and mortality in group of patients with an asymptomatic midcervical bruit who underwent prophylactic carotid endarterectomy prior to anticipated elective surgery. Long-term follow-up showed these patients to be free of neurologic symptoms of fatalities in 100 per cent of long-term survivors and suggests that carefully selected patients with an asymptomatic bruit may undergo carotid endarterectomy to prevent future neurologic complication.