Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms

This article reviews the etiology, clinical manifestations, operative techniques, and results of management of fourteen cases of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms, operated upon in our institution between September 1990 and August 1994. Except for one, they were elective operations. Aneurysmectomy with restoration of continuity by direct anastomosis was done in four cases, an autogenous saphenous vein graft was performed in one, and prosthetic grafts (Dacron) in three. Local conditions precluded restoration of arterial continuity in two cases. Two patients underwent exclusion and bypass graft, and one underwent exclusion only. Ligation was resorted to in one patient, who was subjected to emergency surgery due to rupture of the aneurysm. A temporary, intra-operative, extraluminal carotid artery shunt was used in only one patient, as all the others had angiographic evidence of satisfactory cerebral cross-circulation. Two patients developed transient, neurological deficits in the post-operative period. There was no mortality. We conclude that aneurysms of the extracranial carotid arteries can be operated on with minimal morbidity and no mortality. Operative management is the treatment of choice because of their potential neurological complications, if left untreated.