ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the significance of cerebral protection applied at carotid endarterectomy (CEA) at perioperation, intraoperation, and postoperation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty patients underwent CEA with application of cerebral protection at perioperation, intraoperation, and postoperation in our hospital from January 2002 to August 2005. Perioperative carotid Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography angiography (CTA) were applied in 29 patients and carotid angiography applied in only one patient. The key methods of intraoperative cerebral protection included general anaesthesia, selective shunting, monitoring of transcranial Doppler, and careful manipulation. The methods of postoperative cerebral protection included leaving tracheal cannula and brain ice-bag, maintaining normal blood pressure, and applying dehydrant under guidance by monitoring of transcranial Doppler.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among all the 30 patients, shunts were used in 10 patients (33%), and angioplasty by patch was applied in 17 patients (57%). No cranial nerve-associated complications or death was documented.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Application of cerebral protection at CEA at perioperation, intraoperation, and postoperation can effectively prevent the occurance of cranial nerve-associated complications.</p>