1 - 5 SBAs on Vascular Anaesthesia
Question 1
During carotid endarterectomy, what is the main risk associated with clamping the carotid artery?
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection at the site of surgery
- Hypoperfusion and ischaemia
- Severe allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Immediate risk of heart attack.
Answer
- Hypoperfusion and ischaemia
These are patients with pre-existing carotid pathology and hypoperfusion, who are then having their carotid artery clamped, meaning they're relying entirely on their Circle of Willis to perfuse the affected areas of their brain.
Check out our full article on carotid endarterectomy here.