Caracterización de la morbilidad de la endarterectomía carotídea / Characterization of the morbidity of carotid endarterectomy

Introducción: El 80 por ciento de los accidentes cerebrovasculares resulta de tipo isquémico y al menos el 20-30 por ciento está provocado por estenosis de la arteria carótida extracraneal. La endarterectomía carotídea tiene como principal objetivo eliminar las placas de ateroma, que son fuentes de émbolos para el encéfalo, y mejorar el flujo sanguíneo a este órgano. Objetivo: Caracterizar la morbilidad de la endarterectomía carotídea en el Hospital General Docente "Enrique Cabrera" desde 2018 hasta 2021. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo y corte transversal a 32 pacientes, a los cuales se les realizó endarterectomía carotídea. La recolección de los datos se efectuó mediante la revisión de historias clínicas. El período de estudio abarcó desde enero de 2018 hasta enero de 2021. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (65,6 por ciento) y la media de edad fue de 68,8 años. Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes resultaron la hipertensión arterial y el tabaquismo con 75 por ciento y 65,6 por ciento, respectivamente. La enfermedad cerebrovascular con secuela mínima constituyó la forma clínica más frecuente en el 40,6 por ciento de los casos. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre diabetes mellitus y formas clínicas, y entre enfermedad arterial periférica y la aparición de complicaciones. La carótida izquierda resultó la más afectada con 53 por ciento y el porcentaje de estenosis, entre 70 por ciento y 99 por ciento, se encontró en el 55,9 por ciento de los pacientes. Con mayor frecuencia se presentaron las complicaciones: lesión de nervios craneales (5,8 por ciento) y hematoma cervical (5,8 por ciento). La endarterectomía por eversión se realizó en el 97 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: Se demostró la seguridad y el éxito de la endarterectomía carotídea. La mayoría de los pacientes tuvo una evolución satisfactoria, y se presentaron escasas complicaciones y mortalidad nula(AU)

Introduction: 80 percent of strokes result in ischemic type and at least 20-30 percent are caused by stenosis of the extracranial carotid artery. Carotid endarterectomy has as its main objective to remove atheromatous plaques, which are sources of emboli for the brain, and improve blood flow to this organ. Objective: To characterize the morbidity of carotid endarterectomy at the "Enrique Cabrera" General Teaching Hospital from 2018 to 2021. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 32 patients, who underwent carotid endarterectomy. Data collection was carried out by reviewing medical records. The study period spanned from January 2018 to January 2021. Results: The male sex predominated (65.6 percent) and the mean age was 68.8 years. The most frequent risk factors were high blood pressure and smoking with 75 percent and 65.6 percent, respectively. Cerebrovascular disease with minimal sequelae was the most frequent clinical form in 40.6 percent of cases. A statistically significant association was found between diabetes mellitus and clinical forms, and between peripheral arterial disease and the occurrence of complications. The left carotid was the most affected with 53 percent and the percentage of stenosis, between 70 percent and 99 percent, was found in 55.9 percent of patients. The following complications were the most common: cranial nerve injury (5.8 percent) and cervical hematoma (5.8 percent). Eversion endarterectomy was performed in 97 percent of cases. Conclusions: The safety and success of carotid endarterectomy were demonstrated. Most of the patients had a satisfactory evolution, and there were few complications and zero mortality(AU)

Endarterectomía de carótida bilateral en un mismo tiempo quirúrgico / Bilateral carotid endarterectomy at the same surgical time

Los pacientes con estenosis bilateral presentan una elevada incidencia de clínica hemisférica e infartos cerebrales en relación con la primera carótida y en espera de una segunda cirugía de la carótida contralateral estenótica. La endarterectomía de carótida bilateral en un mismo tiempo quirúrgico representa todo un reto para el cirujano vascular por las complicaciones que puede conllevar. Pero puede realizarse una correcta selección del paciente con bajo riesgo quirúrgico, un análisis de la localización y las características de las placas que provocan la estenosis, y una técnica analgésica que permita monitorear constantemente la disfunción cerebral y siga los principios técnicos. Este estudio tuvo el objetivo de asociar los criterios anteriores a un caso de la endarterectomía de carótida bilateral en un mismo tiempo quirúrgico. Se seleccionó un paciente masculino de 72 años que había sufrido ataques transitorios de isquemia sin secuelas neurológicas. Se realizó el procedimiento sin complicaciones perioperatorias ni posoperatorias, por lo que se propone como una alternativa segura a llevar a cabo en pacientes con estenosis bilateral(AU)

Patients with bilateral stenosis have a high incidence of hemispheric clinical and cerebral infarctions in relation to the first carotid and waiting for a second surgery of the stenotic contralateral carotid. Bilateral carotid endarterectomy at the same surgical time represents a challenge for the vascular surgeon because of the complications it can entail. But a correct selection of the patient with low surgical risk can be made, an analysis of the location and characteristics of the plaques that cause stenosis, and also an analgesic technique that allows constant monitoring of brain dysfunction and follows technical principles. This study aimed to associate the above criteria with a case of bilateral carotid endarterectomy at the same surgical time. A 72-year-old male patient who had suffered transient ischemic attacks without neurological sequelae was selected. The procedure was performed without perioperative or postoperative complications, so it is proposed as a safe alternative to be carried out in patients with bilateral stenosis(AU)

Endarterectomía carotídea, resultados a mediano y largo plazo / Carotid endarterectomy, medium to long-term results

Resumen Introducción: Entre el 50% al 80% de los pacientes con un ictus, presentan lesión de la arteria carótida común o interna, de estos un 15% a 30% quedan con discapacidad severa, y el 20% requiere de institucionalización. Objetivo: Analizar las variables epidemiológicas involucradas en la estenosis carotídea y los resultados a mediano-largo plazo de la endarterectomía carotídea. Materiales y Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo, donde se analizan 103 endarterectomías carotídeas sucesivas, realizadas en 97 pacientes, en un período de 12 años (2007 a 2018), en el Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital Dr. Eduardo Pereira de Valparaíso, Chile. Resultados: Sexo masculino 64,9%, edad promedio 70,2 años, sintomáticos 65,9%, presentación clínica más frecuente el ataque isquémico transitorio (48,4%), morbilidad global inmediata del procedimiento 20,3%, AVE perioperarorio 3,9% (ninguno discapacitante), disfunción de nervios periféricos 5,8%, mortalidad operatoria 70% y cuando se efectúa en un plazo menor a 2 semanas del evento isquémico. Conclusión: La endarterectomía carotídea sigue siendo el procedimiento quirúrgico de elección para tratar la estenosis carotídea severa; realizada en centros con experiencia, es un procedimiento seguro y eficaz en la prevención del infarto cerebral.

Introduction: Between 50 and 80% of patients with a stroke, have lesions of the common or internal carotid artery, of these 15 to 30% are severely disabled, and 20% require institutionalization. Aim: To analyze the epidemiological variables involved in carotid stenosis, and the medium to long-term results of carotid endarterectomy. Materials and Method: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study, analyzed 103 successive carotid endarterectomies procedures in 97 patients, in a period of 12 years (2007 to 2018), in the Surgery Department of the Dr. Eduardo Pereira Hospital, Valparaíso, Chile. Results: Male sex 64.9%, average age 70.2 years, symptomatic 65.9%, most frequent clinical presentation, transient ischemic attack (48.4%), immediate global morbidity of the procedure 20.3%, peri-operative AVE 3.9% (none disabling), peripheral nerve dysfunction 5.8%, operative mortality 70%, and when performed within a period less than 2 weeks of the ischemic event. Conclusion: Carotid endarterectomy remains the surgical procedure of choice, to treat severe carotid stenosis, performed in experienced centers, it is a safe and effective procedure in the prevention of cerebral ischemia.

Efectividad y durabilidad de la endarterectomía carotidea a largo plazo / Effectiveness and durability of long-term carotid endarterectomy

Introducción: Los accidentes cerebrovasculares constituyen un problema de salud mundial con tendencia creciente; en la actualidad es la tercera causa de muerte. Objetivo: Describir la efectividad y durabilidad de la endarterectomía carotidea a largo plazo en la enfermedad carotidea extracraneal. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, ambispectivo en 44 pacientes sometidos a un total de 52 endarterectomías carotideas realizadas en el servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular del Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras. A todos se les realizó un seguimiento clínico con ultrasonografía doppler. El período de tiempo analizado fue de ocho años. Se tuvo en cuenta las variables: sexo, edad, factores de riesgo asociados, categoría clínica, localización topográfica de las lesiones, complicaciones tardías, tiempo de permeabilidad y resultados posquirúrgicos. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (68,2 por ciento). Las lesiones carotideas asintomáticas y sintomáticas representaron el 50 por ciento respectivamente. El hábito de fumar y la dislipidemia fueron los factores de riesgo más frecuentes. Hubo predominio de las complicaciones tardías (55,8 por ciento) con relevancia de la restenosis carotidea (n= 21). El tiempo promedio de permeabilidad primaria del sector revascularizado fue de cinco años. El 86,5 por ciento de los pacientes seguidos a largo plazo mostraron resultados posquirúrgicos satisfactorios al no presentar eventos neurológicos isquémicos o lesiones carotideas con repercusión hemodinámica. Conclusiones: La endarterectomía carotidea es un procedimiento seguro con baja morbilidad y mortalidad perioperatorias que garantiza una reducción significativa en las tasas de enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica en el seguimiento a largo plazo con baja incidencia de complicaciones vasculares y neurológicas tardías(AU)

Introduction: Cardiovascular events constitute a global health problem with a growing tendency. Nowadays, they represent the third cause of death. Objective: To describe the effectiveness and durability of long-term carotid endarterectomy in the extracranial carotid disease. Methods: A descriptive, ambispective study was conducted in 44 patients subjected to 52 carotid endarterectomies that were performed in the service of Angiology and Vascular Surgery of Hermanos Ameijeiras Teaching-Clinical- Surgical Hospital. A clinical follow-up was performed with Doppler ultrasonography to all the patients. The period analyzed was eight years. The variables considered were: sex, age, associated risk factors, clinical category, topographical localization of the lesions, late complications, time of permeability and postsurgical results. Results: Male sex predominated (68,2 percent). Asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid lesions represented 50 percent respectively. The smoking habit and dyslipidemia were the most common risk factors. There was predominance of late complications (55,8 percent) being notable the carotid restenosis (n = 21). The average time of primary permeability of the revascularized sector was five years. 86,5 percent of the patients followed in the long term showed satisfactory postsurgical results by not presenting ischemic neurological events or carotid lesions with hemodynamic impact. Conclusions: Carotid endarterectomy is a safe procedure with low morbidity and peri-operative mortality that ensures a significant reduction in ischemic cerebrovascular disease´s rates in long-term follow-up with low incidence of late vascular and neurological complications(AU)

Preoperative carotid duplex scanning in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) using carotid duplex ultrasound in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2017 and January 2018 and included 166 consecutive patients [130 males (78.31%), 36 females (21.69%); mean age: 64.25±9.78 years] who underwent elective and isolated CABG. Patients who had significant CAS (≥50% stenosis) were compared with patients who had non-significant CAS (<50% stenosis). Logistic regression analysis was applied across the selected parameters to identify risk factors for significant CAS. Results: Of all patients, 36 (21.68%) had CAS ≥50% and 8 (4.81%) had unilateral carotid stenosis ≥70%. Carotid endarterectomy/CABG was performed simultaneously in five (3.01%) patients. None of these patients had cardiac and neurological problems during the postoperative period. The overall incidence of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) after CABG was 1.20% (n=2). Age (P=0.011) and history of CVA (P=0.035) were significantly higher in the CAS ≥50 group than in the CAS <50 group. Significant CAS was identified as a risk factor for postoperative CVA (P=0.013). Conclusion: Age and history of CVA were identified as risk factors for significant CAS. Furthermore, significant CAS was identified as a risk factor for postoperative CVA. For this reason, carotid screening is recommended for patients undergoing CABG even in the absence of associated risk factors.

Relationship of inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference with subclavian artery stenosis and vertebral artery stenosis in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the association of inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) with carotid artery stenosis, subclavian artery stenosis and vertebral artery stenosis in patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy. Methods: A total of 141 patients (29 females, 112 males; mean age 71.2±10.4 years; range 47 to 92 years) who underwent carotid endarterectomy between September 2010 and December 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. We classified patients into four groups according to the IASBPD ˂ 10 mmHg, ≥ 10 mm Hg, ≥ 20 mmHg and ≥ 30 mmHg. The stenosis of both subclavian and vertebral arteries was considered as ≥ 50%. Results: Of the 141 patients, 44 (31.2%) had ≥ 10 mmHg, 29 (20.5%) had ≥ 20 mmHg and 4 (2.8%) had ≥ 30 mmHg of IASBPD. 26 patients (18.4%) were diagnosed with significant subclavian artery stenosis and 18 (69.2%) of them had more than 20 mmHg of IASBPD. Of the 29 patients with IASBPD ≥ 20 mmHg, 19 patients (65.5%) had a significant subclavian artery stenosis. We found a significant correlation between preoperative symptoms and subclavian artery stenosis (P=0.018) and overall perioperative stroke was seen more frequently in patients with subclavian artery stenosis (P=0.041). A significant positive correlation was observed between vertebral artery stenosis and subclavian artery stenosis (P=0.01). Conclusion: Patients who were diagnosed with both subclavian artery stenosis and IASBPD (≥ 20 mmHg) had a higher risk of postoperative stroke and death, had higher total cholesterol, LDL-C, blood creatinine level, and were more symptomatic.

Risk-Benefit Assessment of Carotid Revascularization / Avaliação do Risco-Benefício da Revascularização Carotídea

Abstract Severe carotid atherosclerotic disease is responsible for 14% of all strokes, which result in a high rate of morbidity and mortality. In recent years, advances in clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases have resulted in a significant decrease in mortality due to these causes. To review the main studies on carotid revascularization, evaluating the relationship between risks and benefits of this procedure. The data reviewed show that, for a net benefit, carotid intervention should only be performed in cases of a periprocedural risk of less than 6% in symptomatic patients. The medical therapy significantly reduced the revascularization net benefit ratio for stroke prevention in asymptomatic patients. Real life registries indicate that carotid stenting is associated with a greater periprocedural risk. The operator annual procedure volume and patient age has an important influence in the rate of stroke and death after carotid stenting. Symptomatic patients have a higher incidence of death and stroke after the procedure. Revascularization has the greatest benefit in the first weeks of the event. There is a discrepancy in the scientific literature about carotid revascularization and/or clinical treatment, both in primary and secondary prevention of patients with carotid artery injury. The identification of patients who will really benefit is a dynamic process subject to constant review.

Resumo A doença aterosclerótica carotídea grave é responsável por 14% de todos os acidentes vasculares cerebrais (AVC), que refletem em uma alta taxa de morbimortalidade. Nos últimos anos, os avanços no tratamento clínico das doenças cardiovasculares geraram um decréscimo importante na mortalidade por estas causas. Revisar principais estudos que dizem respeito à revascularização carotídea avaliando a relação entre risco e beneficio deste procedimento. Os dados encontrados indicam que o procedimento só deve ser realizado se houver um risco periprocedimento menor que 6% em pacientes sintomáticos para que haja beneficio líquido na intervenção carotídea. O tratamento clínico reduziu significativamente o benefício líquido da revascularização na prevenção de AVC em pacientes assintomáticos. Registros que refletem a prática diária demonstram que a angioplastia carotídea esta associada a um risco periprocedimento mais elevado. O volume anual de procedimentos por operador e a idade dos pacientes têm uma importante influência nas taxas de AVC e morte pós angioplastia. Pacientes sintomáticos têm uma maior incidência de AVC e morte após procedimento. A revascularização tem o maior benefício nas primeiras semanas do evento. Existem discrepâncias na literatura científica com relação à revascularização carotídea e/ou tratamento clínico, tanto na prevenção primária quanto secundária de pacientes com lesão carotídea. A identificação do paciente que realmente será beneficiado é um processo dinâmico sujeito a constante revisão.

Comparison of early outcomes with three approaches for combined coronary revascularization and carotid endarterectomy

Abstract Objective: This study aims to compare three different surgical approaches for combined coronary and carotid artery stenosis as a single stage procedure and to assess effect of operative strategy on mortality and neurological complications. Methods: This retrospective study involves 136 patients who had synchronous coronary artery revascularization and carotid endarterectomy in our institution, between January 2002 and December 2012. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the surgical technique used. Group I included 70 patients who had carotid endarterectomy, followed by coronary revascularization with on-pump technique, group II included 29 patients who had carotid endarterectomy, followed by coronary revascularization with off-pump technique, group III included 37 patients who had coronary revascularization with on-pump technique followed by carotid endarterectomy under aortic cross-clamp and systemic hypothermia (22-27ºC). Postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Results: Overall early mortality and stroke rate was 5.1% for both. There were 3 (4.3%) deaths in group I, 2 (6.9%) deaths in group II and 2 (5.4%) deaths in group III. Stroke was observed in 5 (7.1%) patients in group I and 2 (6.9%) in group II. Stroke was not observed in group III. No statistically significant difference was observed for mortality and stroke rates among the groups. Conclusion: We identified no significant difference in mortality or neurologic complications among three approaches for synchronous surgery for coronary and carotid disease. Therefore it is impossible to conclude that a single principle might be adapted into standard practice. Patient specific risk factors and clinical conditions might be important in determining the surgical tecnnique.

Carotid endarterectomy: review of 10 years of practice of general and locoregional anesthesia in a tertiary care hospital in Portugal / Endarterectomia carotídea: revisão de 10 anos de prática de anestesia geral e locorregional num hospital terciário em Portugal / Endarterectomía carotídea: revisión de 10 años de práctica de la anestesia general y locorregional en un hospital terciario en Portugal

Retrospective and prospective randomized studies have compared general and locoregional anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy, but without definitive results.

Estudos retrospectivos e prospectivos randomizados têm comparado a anestesia locorregional e geral para endarterectomia carotídea, mas sem resultados definitivos.

Estudios retrospectivos y prospectivos aleatorizados han comparado la anestesia locorregional y la general para la endarterectomía carotídea pero sin resultados definitivos.

Carotid endarterectomy in awake patients: safety, tolerability and results / Endarterectomia de carótida em pacientes acordados: segurança, tolerabilidade e resultados

Objective: To analyze the results of 125 carotid endarterectomies under loco-regional anesthesia, with selective use of shunt and bovine pericardium patch. Methods: One hundred and seventeen patients with stenosis ≥ 70% in the internal carotid artery on duplex-scan + arteriography or magnetic resonance angiography underwent 125 carotid endarterectomies. Intraoperative pharmacological cerebral protection included intravenous administration of alfentanil and dexametasone. Clopidogrel, aspirin and statins were used in all cases. Seventy-seven patients were males (65.8%). Mean age was 70.8 years, ranging from 48 to 88 years. Surgery was performed to treat symptomatic stenosis in 69 arteries (55.2%) and asymptomatic stenosis in 56 arteries (44.8%). Results: A carotid shunt was used in 3 cases (2.4%) due to signs and symptoms of cerebral ischemia after carotid artery clamping during the operation, and all 3 patients had a good outcome. Bovine pericardium patch was used in 71 arteries ≤ 6 mm in diameter (56.8%). Perioperative mortality was 0.8%: one patient died from a myocardial infarction. Two patients (1.6%) had minor ipsilateral strokes with good recovery, and 2 patients (1.6%) had non-fatal myocardial infarctions with good recovery. The mean follow-up period was 32 months. In the late postoperative period, there was restenosis in only three arteries (2.4%). Conclusion: Carotid artery endarterectomy can be safely performed in the awake patient, with low morbidity and mortality rates. .

Objetivo: Analisar os resultados de 125 endarterectomias carotídeas, realizadas sob anestesia loco-regional com uso seletivo de shunt e remendo de pericárdio bovino. Métodos: Cento e dezessete pacientes com estenose na artéria carótida interna ≥ 70% ao ecoDoppler colorido + arteriografia ou angiorressonância magnética foram submetidos a 125 endarterectomias carotídeas. As medidas de proteção farmacológica intraoperatória incluíam a administração endovenosa de alfentanil e dexametazona. Clopidogrel, aspirina e estatinas eram utilizadas em todos os casos. Setenta e sete pacientes eram do sexo masculino (65,8%). A idade média foi de 70,8 anos, variando de 48 a 88 anos. A operação foi indicada por estenose sintomática em 69 artérias (55,2%), e por estenose assintomática em 56 artérias (44,8%). Resultados: O shunt de carótida foi necessário em 3 casos (2,4%) devido a sintomas de isquemia cerebral após a colocação do clampe carotídeo durante o ato cirúrgico, e os três pacientes tiveram boa evolução. Remendo de pericárdio bovino foi utilizado em 71 artérias ≤ 6 mm de diâmetro (56,8%). A mortalidade perioperatória foi de 0,8%: um paciente faleceu devido a infarto agudo do miocárdio. Dois pacientes (1,6%) tiveram infartos cerebrais isquêmicos ipsilaterais menores com boa recuperação, e 2 pacientes (1,6%) tiveram infartos do miocárdio não-fatais com boa recuperação. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 32 meses. No pós-operatório tardio, houve reestenose significativa em apenas três artérias (2,4%). Conclusão: A endarterectomia carotídea no paciente acordado é uma técnica segura, sendo realizada com baixas taxas de morbimortalidade. .

Trombo móvel na carótida interna: planejamento cirúrgico definido pela ultrassonografia vascular / Floating thrombus in the internal carotid artery: surgical planning defined by vascular ultrasound / Trombo Móvil en la Carótida Interna: Planeamiento Quirúrgico Definido por la Ultrasonografía Vascular

Os principais objetivos para o relato deste caso foram: Enfatizar a importância do diagnóstico ultrassonográfico de um trombo móvel na carótida interna, responsável pelo acidente vascular de um paciente atendido no setor de emergência e descrever uma nova técnica de imagem futurística, denominada Caracterização Tecidual Ultrassonográfica (CATUS). A CATUS tem a finalidade de avaliar e estimar a composição do trombo, a sua aderência na parede arterial e o risco de embolização relacionado em potencial com a gravidade de sintomas cerebrovasculares. A demonstração ultrassonográfica do trombo móvel foi o fator determinante para o planejamento cirúrgico e a endarterectomia confirmou a presença do material trombótico.

The objectives of this case report were: to emphasize the importance of the ultrasonographic diagnosis of a floating thrombus in the internal carotid artery, linked to a stroke on a pacient seen in the emergency room, and to describe a new visionary imaging technique, ultrasonographic tissue characterization (USTC), designed toevaluate and estimate the thrombus composition, it’s adherence to the vascular walland embolization risk. Ultrasonographic demonstration of a embolus was determinant factor for surgical planning. Presence of the thombus was confirmed during carotidendarterectomy.

Los principales objetivos para el relato de este caso fueron: Enfatizar la importancia del diagnóstico ultrasonográfico de un trombo móvil en la carótida interna, responsable por el accidente vascular de un paciente atendido en el sector de emergencia y describir una nueva técnica de imagen futurista, denominada Caracterización del Tejido Ultrasonográfica (CATUS). La CATUS tiene la finalidad de evaluar y calcular la composición del trombo, su adherencia en la pared arterial y el riesgo de embolización relacionado en potencia con la gravedad de síntomas cerebrovasculares. La demostración ultrasonográfica del trombo móvil fue el factor determinante para la planificación quirúrgica y la endarterectomía confirmó la presencia del material trombótico.

Comparações preliminares entre a histologia virtual ultrassonográfica in vivo e os achados histopatológicos da placa carotídea produto de endarterectomia / Preliminary comparisons between in vivo ultrasonographic virtual histology and histopathological findings of endarterectomized carotid plaque

CONTEXTO: A doença aterosclerótica da carótida extracraniana é uma das principais causas evitáveis de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi), sendo este a segunda causa mais comum de morte nos países desenvolvidos. Nos grandes estudos sobre a cirurgia carotídea, a indicação estava embasada fundamentalmente no grau de estenose arterial. Analisar somente o grau de estenose, entretanto, não revela todas as características da placa, na medida em que a morfologia e a composição da placa complementam a avaliação da doença carotídea avançada e são fundamentais para a análise e o acompanhamento da maioria das placas carotídeas tratadas clinicamente. OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a caracterização dos componentes da placa de ateroma pela histologia virtual ultrassonográfica (HVUS) com a histologia. MÉTODOS: As imagens pré-operatórias obtidas por ultrassonografia transcutânea de 12 placas de ateroma de bifurcação carotídea foram submetidas a um programa de computador, o qual correlacionou os níveis de cinza com os prováveis componentes da placa da bifurcação carotídea (HVUS). Estes achados foram correlacionados com o exame anatomopatológico das placas coletadas pela cirurgia de endarterectomia. RESULTADOS: O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson para os conteúdos de lipídeos e músculo/tecido fibroso foram, respectivamente, R=0,83 para gordura e R=0,91 para músculo/tecido fibroso. Quanto ao cálcio e ao sangue, foram R=0,05 e R=0,19, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: O presente trabalho corrobora a literatura demonstrando que a histologia virtual computadorizada baseada em ultrassonografia transcutânea apresenta boa correlação com os achados da histologia quanto ao conteúdo da placa. Maiores ...

BACKGROUND: Extracranial carotid artery atherosclerosis is a major preventable cause of strokes, the second most common cause of death in developed countries. The degree of arterial lumen stenosis is the basis for surgical indications, but does not provide information about other plaque aspects. Studies in the literature suggest that the morphological characteristics of the plaque and its composition should also be included in the assessment of this disease. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the correlation between atherosclerotic plaque composition defined by computer-assisted analysis of ultrasound images (virtual histology - USVH) and conventional histology. METHOD: The images of twelve plaques, obtained during preoperative ultrasound scanning, were analyzed by computer, and the grey scale images were correlated with the plaque components and subsequently compared with the histological findings of the analysis of the endarterectomy specimens. RESULTS: The amount of lipids and fibromuscular tissue were strongly correlated in the two tests (R=0.83 and 0.91). There were no significant correlations with amount of blood or calcium (R=0.05 and 0.19). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the usefulness of noninvasive USVH. Further technical improvements and software developments may promote the clinical application of this method. .

Tratamiento endovascular de aneurisma intracraneal por punción carotidea directa / Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms by direct carotid puncture

Introducción: La punción percutánea de la arteria carótida común se utilizó en la realización de arteriografías cerebrales diagnósticas antes del advenimiento de la tomografía. En la actualidad su uso con fines diagnósticos es limitado pero puede ser muy útil para fines terapéuticos cuando no se logra la cateterización de dicha arteria para la embolización de aneurismas de la circulación anterior por el método de Seldinger. Caso clínico: Se presenta caso de paciente masculino de 67 años de edad en quien, por la morfología del cayado aórtico, no se logró cateterizar la arteria carótida interna izquierda para embolizar un aneurisma de 11mm de la arteria comunicante anterior alimentada por la arteria cerebral anterior izquierda y otro aneurisma de 5mm de la porción coroidea de la arteria carótida interna izquierda. La embolización de ambos aneurismas se logró a través de una punción percutánea de la arteria carótida común izquierda. Conclusiones: La punción percutánea de la arteria carótida común es una vía alternativa que puede utilizarse para la embolización de aneurismas de la circulación anterior...

Manejo actual de la estenosis de carótida: tratamiento endovascular comparado con endarterectomía / Current management of carotid stenosis: endovascular treatment versus endarterectomy

Antiplatelet therapy used to be the only way to prevent further cerebrovascular events in patients with carotid stenosis. After publication of final results of the European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST) and North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET), endarterectomy was considered the best treatment option. Currently, endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis has been established as an alternative to surgical endarterectomy. Our aim is to show the evolution of endovascular therapy in carotid stenosis, to compare outcomes between endovascular, medical and surgical treatments, and to analize the current state of endovascular therapy. It is worth underscoring that many of the studies were conducted decades ago and consequently both the endovascular technique and medical treatments used then greatly differ from current practices. Several studies agree stenting benefits patients under 70 years of age and exhibits, at least, same short-term results as endarterectomy, along with higher rate of long-term restenosis. Indication for treatment in asymptomatic patients and the use of protection systems remain an unresolved issue. A multidisciplinary team should implement an individualized treatment plan for each patient.

En estenosis carotidea, la única manera de prevenir nuevos eventos cerebrovasculares era mediante antiagregación. Después de los estudios NASCET y ECST se estableció que la endarterectomía conseguía mejores resultados. Ahora se ha establecido la terapia endovascular como alternativa. Nuestro objetivo es mostrar la evolución de la terapia endovascular en estenosis carotidea, contrastar los resultados entre tratamiento endovascular, médico y quirúrgico y exponer la situación actual de la terapia endovascular. Algunos estudios se realizaron hace décadas y tanto la técnica endovascular como los tratamientos médicos, no son comparables con los de hoy. Varios estudios coinciden en que el stenting beneficia a menores de 70 años y presenta al menos iguales resultados que la endarterectomía a corto plazo, con mayor tasa de reestenosis a largo plazo. Quedan por resolver la indicación de tratamiento en pacientes asintomáticos o la utilización de sistemas de protección. El tratamiento debe ser individualizado en un equipo multidisciplinar.

Bridge-therapy with enoxaparin in the preoperative period of endarterectomy / Terapia-ponte com enoxaparina no período pré-operatório da endarterectomia

Cervical clot is one of the complications of endarterectomy. This risk may be higher in patients using aspirin or clopidogrel. On the other hand, stroke may occur if the medication is interrupted before surgery. We carried out a prospective study of 124 endarterectomies in 119 patients in which aspirin or clopidogrel was stopped and a bridge-therapy with enoxaparin was administered preoperatively. There was no case of stroke during the period of the bridge-therapy. One patient developed cervical clot (0.8 percent) in the fifth postoperative day. Mortality rate in this series was 0.8 percent. There was no complication directly related to the use of enoxaparin. Bridge-therapy with low molecular weight heparin is a safe strategy for patients elected for endarterectomy.

Hematoma cervical é uma das complicações graves de endarterectomia. O risco dessa complicação pode ser maior em pacientes em uso de antiagregante plaquetário. Por outro lado, a suspensão de antiagregante plaquetário no período pré-operatório de endarterectomia eleva o risco de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Realizamos estudo prospectivo de 119 pacientes submetidos a endarterectomia (124 procedimentos), nos quais foi suspenso antiagregante plaquetário (aspirina ou clopidogrel) e foi administrada terapia-ponte com enoxaparina subcutânea no período pré-operatório. Nessa série, não houve ocorrência de AVC no período pré-operatório. Um paciente (0,8 por cento) desenvolveu hematoma cervical no quinto dia pós-operatório. A mortalidade nessa série foi de 0,8 por cento. Não houve nenhuma complicação atribuída diretamente ao uso de enoxaparina. A terapia-ponte com heparina de baixo peso molecular demonstrou ser estratégia segura no preparo de pacientes para endarterectomia.

Morphological and hemodynamic patterns of carotid stenosis treated by endarterectomy with patch closure versus stenting: a duplex ultrasound study

OBJECTIVES: A duplex ultrasound study was performed to investigate morphological and hemodynamic patterns of carotid stenoses treated by endarterectomy with patch closure versus stenting. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty-nine carotid stenoses were treated with stenting and 65 with patch closure. Duplex ultrasound parameters (luminal diameter, mm; peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity, cm/s) were measured 24 hours after the procedures and also at 12 months post-procedure. Residual stenoses (immediately postprocedure) and restenoses (within 12 months of procedure) were defined as narrowings of >50 percent on duplex ultrasound examination. RESULTS: In stented patients, the luminal diameter of the proximal internal carotid artery increased in the interval between the 24-hour and 12-month post-procedure studies, while in the patch closure patients, the diameter decreased. Carotid hemodynamics normalized immediately after both patching and stenting and remained relatively stable thereafter up to 12 months. No statistically elevated flow velocities (in the absence of residual stenosis or restenosis) were observed in the patched or stented carotid arteries. No significant differences in residual stenosis rates were observed between the stenting group (3 cases, 10.34 percent) and the patch closure group (1 case, 1.53 percent, P = 0.08). At 12 months, 2 stenting patients (6.88 percent) and 2 patch closure patients (3.07 percent) had $50 percent restenosis (P = 0.58). One case of late stroke due to restenosis was observed in the stenting group; the patient died 12 months postoperatively, before receiving new intervention. CONCLUSION: Measurements over time in luminal diameter signalized differences in arterial remodeling mechanisms between patched and stented carotids. Both stenting and patch closure were associated with carotid patency and flow restoration. This study does not support a general approach to new velocity criteria indiscriminately applied to stented or patched carotids.

Incidência de reestenoses em pacientes submetidos a endarterectomia cirúrgica / Incidence of rstenosis in patients submettid to endarterectomy

O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) está entre as principais causas de morte atualmente, sendo responsável por grande parte das internações no país. A etiologia mais frequente do AVC é a isquêmia, sendo que a aterosclerose extracraniana é reponsável por até 29 por cento dos casos. Nesse contexto, a endarterectomia de carótidas (EAC) apresenta-se como opção efetiva por apresentar baixa incidência de complicações e preservação satisfatória de seus efeitos em longo prazo. Objetivo: Determinar a incidência de reestenose nos pacientes submetidos a endarterectomia carotídea. Métodos: Foram estudados 30 pacientes, submetidos previamente e a EAC em hospital da rede pública do Estado do Rio de Janeiro de forma prospectiva, por meio de análise clínica e ultrassonográfica das artérias carótidas. Variáveis clínicas e ultrassonográficas foram avaliadas e descritas após análise estatística (teste exato de Fisher e teste t de Student). Resultados: A incidência de reestenose >50 por cento foi de 26 por cento (8 pacientes). Destes, 2 pacientes (6,6 por cento dos casos) apresentaram placa, resultando em reestenose grave, ou seja, 70 por cento do lúmem arterial. Do total de pacientes...

Resistência tensional do pericárdio bovino fixado em glutaraldeído comparada com a da veia safena magna / Comparative analysis of rupture resistance between glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardium and great saphenous vein

CONTEXTO: O uso do pericárdio bovino como remendo na endarterectomia de carótida é uma alternativa à veia safena magna. As vantagens do pericárdio incluem facilidade de obtenção, menor tempo operatório e principalmente menor índice de ruptura. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a resistência tensional do pericárdio bovino tratado com glutaraldeído e compará-la com a da veia safena magna. MÉTODOS: Os remendos de pericárdio bovino (grupo I, n = 20) e de veia safena magna (grupo II, n = 20) foram recortados em dimensões iguais (50 x 5 mm) e preparados de modo habitual a sua utilização. Os grupos foram submetidos a ensaio de tração e comparados em relação a força de ruptura, força máxima e tensão de ruptura utilizando-se o teste t de Student. A correlação da espessura do remendo com a força de ruptura também foi analisada utilizando-se o coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson. RESULTADOS: Os parâmetros força de ruptura e força máxima foram significativamente maiores no grupo dos remendos de pericárdio bovino: 1,97 versus 1,36 kgf (p = 0,001230) e 2,27 versus 1,51 kgf (p = 0,0001087), respectivamente. A tensão de ruptura média para o material pericárdio bovino também foi maior (193,99±43,05 versus 49,19±22,96 kgf/cm², p = 7,603e-16) do que na veia safena. A correlação entre a espessura e a força de ruptura foi considerada moderada (r = 0,5032993) para o pericárdio bovino e baixa (r = 0,3062166) para o grupo da veia safena. CONCLUSÃO: Os autores concluem que a resistência do pericárdio bovino à ruptura foi considerada adequada neste estudo, e é significativamente maior que a da veia safena magna, retirada da região da coxa. Além disso, a espessura do remendo em ambos os grupos não apresenta boa correlação com sua resistência a ruptura.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy using bovine pericardium is an acceptable alternative to great saphenous vein patch. Bovine pericardium is easily obtained and provides a shorter operative time and lower rupture rate. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate rupture resistance of glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardium patch in comparison with great saphenous vein patch. METHODS: The sample was divided into two groups: bovine pericardium patch (group I, n = 20) and great saphenous vein patch (group II, n = 20). Both bovine pericardium and saphenous vein patches were prepared in the same dimensions (50 mm x 5 mm) and tested using standard procedures. The patches were tested in the longitudinal axis until the point of material failure. The following parameters were addressed: failure force, ultimate force and failure stress. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Student t test and Pearson's linear correlation. RESULTS: Failure force and ultimate force parameters were significantly higher in the bovine pericardium patch group: 1.97 vs. 1.36 kgf (p = 0.001230) and 2.27 vs. 1.51 kgf (p = 0.0001087), respectively. Mean failure stress in the bovine pericardium patch group was also significantly higher than that in the great saphenous vein group (193.99±43.05 vs. 49.19±22.96 kgf/cm², p = 7.603e-16). The correlation between thickness and failure force was considered moderate (r = 0.5032993) for the bovine pericardium group and low (r = 0.3062166) for the great saphenous vein group. CONCLUSION: The failure stress related to the bovine pericardium group was considered appropriate in this study, and was significantly higher than that observed in the great saphenous vein group. In addition, patch thickness in both groups did not show a good correlation with rupture resistance.

El tratamiento quirúrgico de la enfermedad carotidea / Surgical treatment of carotid artery disease

La endarterectomía carotidea es una técnica estandarizada para la remoción de placas de ateromas obstructivos en la carótida interna. Es una de las intervenciones quirúrgicas más extensamente estudiadas a través de estudios multicéntricos para evaluar su rol en el tratamiento y la prevención de síntomas isquémicos cerebrales. Los estudios de ECST y ACAS en enfermos con estenosis carotidea y síntomas pertinentes, demostraron que la cirugía es beneficiosa para pacientes con 70 y 99 por ciento de estenosis y se ha convertido en una indicación ampliamente aceptada. El estudio de ACAS en enfermos con estenosis asintomática, demostró un beneficio marginal de la cirugía respecto al tratamiento médico y que se invalidaba si la morbi-mortalidad del procedimiento superaba el 3 por ciento. Por estas razones la indicación de remover la placa en forma preventiva en enfermos asintomáticos, debe ser juiciosamente indicada, de acuerdo a la experiencia del centro.

Carotid endarterectomy is a standardized technique for removing obstructive plaques in the internal carotid arteries. It is one of the surgical procedures more extensively studied through multicentric randomized trials to find its place in prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemic symptoms. ECST and NASCET trials in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis clearly showed a benefit from surgery in patients with 70 to 99 percent stenosis. ACAS trial, designed to study asymptomatic patients with carotid stenosis, showed only marginal benefit from surgery compared to medical treatment and this benefit was abolished if combined surgical morbidity and mortality exceeded 3 percent. Thus the indications for surgical removal of a carotid plaque in asymptomatic patients must be carefully judged according to the results in a specific centre.