[Transcranial Doppler ultrasound as monitoring during carotid operation]

We describe our method of transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring during carotid endarterectomy (CE) procedures. During a period of 35 months we performed 257 CE with TCD monitoring. Critical flow values during crossclamping of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the necessity of insertion of an intraluminal shunt were taken in consideration with regard to the choice of surgical procedure: TEA (with or without patching) or eversion endarterectomy. The critical flow values were around 10-15 cm/s, no pulsatility signs were detected. Further advantages of the TCD monitoring are: detection of microemboli, control of the potential collateralisation of the external carotid artery and the control of efficacy and accurate positioning of the intraluminal shunt. We comment our results of cerebral monitoring and consider it as a useful tool for optimizing the postoperative results of carotid surgery.