Extracranial Blood Flow Distribution During Carotid Surgery

ObjectiveThe collateral function of the external carotid artery (ECA) for cerebral perfusion in cases of atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is difficult to assess; for this reason, blood flow measurements were taken during carotid endarterectomy (CEA).MethodsBlood flow was measured before and after CEA using a transit-time flow meter at the carotid artery in 1000 patients who underwent CEA for high-degree (>70%) ICA stenosis. The data were collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively.ResultsMedian ICA blood flow increased significantly, up 46% from 160 ml min−1 (IQR: 100–234 ml min−1) before CEA to 240 ml min−1 (IQR: 187–309 ml min1) after CEA (P < 0.001). Median ECA blood flow dropped by 4%, from 152 ml min−1 (IQR: 108–220 ml min−1) to 150 ml min−1 (IQR: 103–200 ml min−1) (P = 0.001). Relative ICA blood flow volumes related to common carotid artery (CCA) flow increased from 58% before CEA to 73% after CEA, whereas relative ECA flow decreased from 54% to 44%.ConclusionsIncreased blood flow in the ICA after CEA is accompanied by decreased ECA flow whereupon the absolute amount of this redistribution is relatively limited. A more profound evaluation of these haemodynamic conditions demands further study.