Endarterectomía carotídea con medición de presión de muñón, manejo hemodinámico y uso selectivo de shunt / Carotid Endarterectomy with routine carotid stump pressure measurement, intraoperative hemodynamic management and selective use of shunt

Resumen Introducción En la endarterectomía carotídea (EC) durante el clampeo, la perfusión cerebral se mantiene por circulación contralateral a través del Polígono de Willis, que se relaciona con la presión de muñón carotídeo (PM). Si ésta es menor a 50 mmHg existe riesgo de Accidente Cerebrovascular (ACV) por hipoperfusión y está indicado uso de shunt para asegurar suficiente circulación cerebral, pero también se puede elevar transitoriamente la presión arterial sistémica haciendo innecesario el uso de shunt. Objetivo Mostrar los resultados de EC con medición de PM para evaluar la perfusión cerebral del hemisferio clampeado con manejo hemodinámico intraoperatorio minimizando el uso de shunt. Material y Métodos Estudio retrospectivo de 73 pacientes sometidos a EC bajo anestesia general con medición de PM, manejo hemodinámico intraoperatorio y uso selectivo de shunt. Se analizaron variables demográficas, clínicas y morbimortalidad perioperatoria. Resultados 73 pacientes, edad promedio 71,1 años, 69,9% sintomáticos. En 54 pacientes la PM fue superior a 50 mmHg y no se usó shunt, en 19 la PM fue menor a 50 mmHg y con manejo hemodinámico intraoperatorio se elevó en 16 que no requirieron shunt. Sólo en 3 casos la PM no alcanzó los 50 mmHg y se usó un shunt de Pruitt-Inahara. Dos pacientes sintomáticos presentaron déficit neurológico central transitorio postoperatorio y 2 pacientes fallecieron por infarto cardíaco. Conclusión La EC con medición de PM y manejo hemodinámico minimizó el uso de shunt transitorio y fue un procedimiento seguro para tratar los pacientes con estenosis carotídea con indicación quirúrgica.

Introduction During carotid endarterectomy (CEA) clamping cerebral perfusion is maintained by contralateral circulation through the Circle of Willis and it is correlated to the stump pressure (SP). If it is below 50 mmHg there is risk of stroke due to hypoperfusion and a shunt must be used, but systemic blood pressure can be temporarily elevated making the use of shunt unnecessary. Aim Results of CEA with SP measurement to evaluate cerebral perfusion in cross-clamped hemisphere and hemodynamic intraoperative management reducing the use of shunt. Material and Methods Retrospective study of CEAs performed in 73 patients under general anaesthesia with SP measurement, hemodynamic management and selective use of shunt. Demographics, clinical and perioperative morbimortality variables were analized. Results 73 patients, average age 71.1 years, 69.9% symptomatic. In 54 patients SP was above 50 mmHg and shunt was not used, in 19 SP was below 50 mmHg, it was elevated through intraoperative hemodynamic management and shunt was not needed. In only 3 cases SP did not reach 50 mmHg and a Pruitt-Inahara shunt was used. Two patients presented postoperative transient central neurological deficit and 2 died due to myocardial infarction. Conclusion CEA with SP measurement and hemodynamic management reduced the use of carotid shunting and it was a safe procedure to treat patients with severe carotid stenosis who need surgical intervention.

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.

Hydrocortisone supresses inflammatory activity of metalloproteinase - 8 in carotid plaque / Hidrocortisona suprime a atividade inflamatória da metaloproteinase - 8 presente na placa carotídea

AbstractObjective:Matrix metalloproteinases are inflammatory biomarkers involved in carotid plaque instability. Our objective was to analyze the inflammatory activity of plasma and carotid plaque MMP-8 and MMP-9 after intravenous administration of hydrocortisone.Methods:The study included 22 patients with stenosis ≥ 70% in the carotid artery (11 symptomatic and 11 asymptomatic) who underwent carotid endarterectomy. The patients were divided into two groups: Control Group - hydrocortisone was not administered, and Group 1 - 500 mg intravenous hydrocortisone was administered during anesthetic induction. Plasma levels of MMP-8 and MMP-9 were measured preoperatively (24 hours before carotid endarterectomy) and at 1 hour, 6 hours and 24 hours after carotid endarterectomy. In carotid plaque, tissue levels of MMP-8 and MMP-9 were measured.Results:Group 1 showed increased serum levels of MMP- 8 (994.28 pg/ml and 408.54 pg/ml, respectively; P=0.045) and MMP-9 (106,656.34 and 42,807.69 respectively; P=0.014) at 1 hour after carotid endarterectomy compared to the control group. Symptomatic patients in Group 1 exhibited lower tissue concentration of MMP-8 in comparison to the control group (143.89 pg/ml and 1317.36 respectively; P=0.003). There was a correlation between preoperative MMP-9 levels and tissue concentrations of MMP-8 (P=0.042) and MMP-9 (P=0.019) between symptomatic patients in the control group.Conclusion:Hydrocortisone reduces the concentration of MMP- 8 in carotid plaque, especially in symptomatic patients. There was an association between systemic and tissue inflammation.

ResumoObjetivo:As metaloproteinases são biomarcadores inflamatórios envolvidos na instabilidade da placa carotídea. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a atividade inflamatória da MMP-8 e MMP-9 plasmática e presente na placa carotídea, após administração intravenosa de hidrocortisona.Métodos:Participaram do estudo 22 pacientes portadores de estenose ≥ 70% em artéria carótida (11 sintomáticos e 11 assintomáticos), submetidos à endarterectomia de artéria carótida. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Controle - não foi administrado hidrocortisona e Grupo 1 - foi administrado 500 mg intravenoso de hidrocortisona durante a indução anestésica. As dosagens plasmáticas de MMP-8 e MMP-9 foram efetuadas no pré-operatório (24 horas antes da endarterectomia de artéria carótida) e em 1 hora, 6 horas e 24 horas após endarterectomia de artéria carótida. Na placa carotídea foram mensurados os níveis teciduais de MMP-8 e MMP-9.Resultados:O grupo 1 exibiu elevação dos níveis séricos da MMP-8 (994,28 pg/ml e 408,54 pg/ml, respectivamente; P=0.045) e MMP-9 (106.656,34 e 42.807,69, respectivamente; P=0.014) em 1 hora após a endarterectomia de artéria carótida, em relação ao grupo controle. Os pacientes sintomáticos do grupo 1 exibiram menor concentração tecidual de MMP-8, em relação ao grupo controle (143,89 pg/ml e 1317,36, respectivamente; P=0.003). Houve correlação entre os níveis pré-operatórios de MMP-9 e as concentrações teciduais de MMP-8 (P=0.042) e MMP-9 (P=0.019) entre os pacientes sintomáticos do grupo controle.Conclusão:A hidrocortisona reduz a concentração de MMP-8 na placa carotídea, em especial nos pacientes sintomáticos. Houve associação entre a inflamação sistêmica e a tecidual.

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. .

Endarterectomía carotídea en pacientes octogenarios / Endarterectomía carotídea em pacientes octogenários / Carotid endarterectomy in eighty year-old patients

Objetivo: No existen diferencias significativas entre pacientes octogenarios y menores de ochentaaños en eventos ACV-Muerte, intervenidos por estenosis carotídea mediante endarterectomía carotídea.Material y Métodos: Desde enero de 2006 hasta junio de 2010 se realizaron 253 endarterectomías carotídeas en 251 pacientes, 24 (9.56%) (IC95% 6.21-13.90) pacientes tenían más de 80 años. Resultados: Del total de las endarterectomías carotídeas realizadas en pacientes menores de 80 años, 4 presentaron ACV y 1 falleció en el perioperatorio (ACV-muerte (n=5/227) (2.2%) (IC 95% 0.71-5.07)). Un paciente presentó un infarto agudo de miocardio perioperatorio en este grupo(0.4%) (IC 95% 0.006-2.43). De los 24 octogenarios, 1 paciente presentó ACV perioperatorio, dando un índice de ACV-muerte de 4.16 % (n=1) (IC 95% 0.05-21.14). Al comparar la poblaciónde ambos grupos no se hallaron evidencias significativas en la aparición de eventos adversos mayores como ACV o muerte que contraindiquen la cirugía en pacientes octogenarios con significación estadística p=0.91.Conclusión: En la muestra estudiada, no existen diferencias significativas entre pacientes octogenarios y menores de ochenta años en eventos ACV-Muerte postoperatoria, intervenidos porestenosis carotidea.

Objetivo: Não existem diferenças significativas entre pacientes octogenários e pacientes menores de oitenta anos em eventos ACV-Morte, operados por estenose carotídea mediante endarterectomia carotídea.Material e Métodos: De janeiro de 2006 a junho de 2010 realizaram-se 253 endarterectomias carotídeas em 251 pacientes, 24 (9.56%) (IC 95% 6.21-13.90) pacientes tinham mais de 80 anos. Resultados: Do total das endarterectomias carotídeas realizadas em pacientes menores de 80 anos, 4 apresentaram ACV e 1 faleceu no perioperatório (ACV-morte (n: 5/227) (2.2%) (IC 95% 0.71-5.07)). Neste grupo, um paciente apresentou um infarto agudo de miocárdio perioperatório (0.4%) (IC 95% 0.006-2.43). Dos 24 octogenários, 1 paciente apresentou ACV perioperatório, dando um índice de ACV-morte de 4.16 % (n=1) (IC 95% 0.05-21.14). Ao comparar a população dos dois grupos, não se encontraram evidências significativas no aparecimento de eventos adversos maiores como ACV ou morte, que contraindiquem a cirurgia em pacientes octogenários com estatística significativa p=0.91. Conclusão: Na amostra estudada, não existem diferenças significativas entre pacientesoctogenários e pacientes menores de oitenta anos em eventos ACV-Morte pós operatória, operados por estenose carotídea.

Objective: There are no significant differences between octogenarians and younger patients than eighty years in stroke-death events, with surgery for carotid stenosis by carotid endarterectomy. Material and Methods: From January 2006 through June 2010 were 253 carotid endarterectomiesin 251 patients, 24 (9.56%) (95% CI 6.21-13.90) were older than 80 years.Results: Of all carotid endarterectomies performed in patients younger than 80 years, 4 patients had a stroke and died in the perioperative patient (stroke-death (n=5/227) (2.2%) (95% CI 0.71-5.07)). One patient had a perioperative myocardial infarction in this group (0.4%) (95% CI 0.006-2.43). Of the 24 octogenarians, 1 patient had perioperative stroke, giving a rate of stroke-death of 4.16% (n=1) (95% CI 0.05-21.14). By comparing the population of both groups were not found significant evidence in the emergence of major adverse events such as stroke or death that maycontraindicate surgery in octogenarians with statistical significance p=0.91.Conclusion: No significant differences between octogenarians and younger patients than eighty years in stroke-death events postoperative surgery for carotid stenosis in the study sample.

Morbi-mortalidad de la endarterectomía carotídea / Morbidity and mortality of carotid endarterectomy

La endarterectomía carotídea (EC) en adición al mejor tratamiento médico mostró reducción del riesgo de eventos cerebrovasculares en pacientes sintomáticos y asintomáticos con estenosis moderada-grave del vaso en ensayos clínicos en centros académicos con cirujanos altamente seleccionados. Las principales guías internacionales recomiendan que el procedimiento se realice en centros con morbi-mortalidad auditada menor al 6% para pacientes sintomáticos y 3% para asintomáticos. Evaluamos la morbi-mortalidad peri-procedimiento en nuestro centro. Esta fue definida como la presencia de accidente cerebrovascular, infarto de miocardio y/o muerte dentro de los 30 días de la cirugía. Se indicó el procedimiento en pacientes sintomáticos con estenosis > 50%. En pacientes asintomáticos o sintomáticos con estenosis ≤ 50% se decidió el tratamiento sobre una base caso por caso. Todos los pacientes fueron examinados por un neurólogo y un cardiólogo antes y después de la EC. Se utilizó en forma rutinaria monitoreo intraoperatorio con Doppler transcraneano en los pacientes con adecuada ventana ultrasónica. Se evaluaron 306 endarterectomías carotídeas. No se registraron muertes. La morbilidad perioperatoria fue de 2.6% tanto para individuos sintomáticos como asintomáticos. Estos índices se compararon favorablemente con informes de otros centros de Latinoamérica y Europa. En conclusión, este informe muestra que la EC puede realizarse en la práctica clínica cotidiana con morbi-mortalidad peri-procedimiento dentro de los niveles recomendados por las guías internacionales.

Clinical trials in academic centers with high selected surgeons have demonstrated the effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy (CE) in addition to best medical treatment in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with moderate to severe stenosis. International guidelines recommend that the procedure should be done in centers with morbidity and mortality rates of less than 6% for symptomatic and 3% for asymptomatic patients. We evaluated the morbidity and mortality of CE in our institution. This was defined by the presence of stroke, myocardial infarction and/or death within 30 days of surgery. Surgery was indicated in symptomatic patients with stenosis greater than 50%. For asymptomatic or symptomatic patients with stenosis ≤ 50% treatment was decided on a case-by-case basis. All patients were examined by a neurologist with and a cardiologist before and after the procedure. Intraoperative monitoring with transcranial Doppler was routinely used in patients with adequate ultrasonic window. We evaluated 306 procedures. No deaths occurred. Perioperative morbidity was 2.6% for both, symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. These numbers compared favorably with those reported by other centers in Latin America and Europe. In conclusion, CE can be performed in routine clinical practice with morbidity and mortality results within those recommended by international guidelines.

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.

Endarterectomia de carótida bilateral combinada com revascularizaçäo miocárdica durante o mesmo ato cirúrgico / Bilateral carotid endarterectomy combined with myocardial revascularization during the same surgical act

The best surgical approach for the treatment of patients with severe cerebral artery disease and simultaneous serious coronary artery disease still remains controversial. In this report we present a case of a 72-year-old female patient admitted to the hospital with unstable angina. Triple coronary artery obstructive disease and severe bilateral carotid artery stenosis were diagnosed. A combined, simultaneous surgical procedure was performed. After total circulatory by-pass with a membrane oxygenator, the patient's body temperature was lowered to 32ºC. During the cool-down period, three proximal anastomoses of segments of autologous saphenous veins were performed in the ascending aorta. Immediately afterwards, bilateral carotid endarterectomy was performed, followed by three distal anastomoses to coronary arteries. The patient showed a satisfactory post-operative outcome. It was concluded that the combination of moderate hypothermia, hemodilution with appropriate hemodynamic control, as used in this patient, was an effective method of cerebral protection. The simultaneous approach of carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery by-pass surgery should be seen as a safe option for the treatment of this type of patient.

Endarterectomia da artéria carótida extracraniana / Extracranial carotid endarterectomy

A endarterectomia de carótida com estenose maior de 70 por cento do diâmetro interno está bem estabelecida, tendo evidência clínica que reduz em 17 por cento o risco de acidente vascular cerebral em relaçäo ao tratamento clínico. Porém, a equipe cirúrgica näo poderá ter mais de 5 por cento de complicaçöes globais como acidente vascular cerebral e óbito. Embora já exista indício de benefício da endarterectomia de carótida para doente assintomático com estenose de 60 por cento, como ainda tem controvérsia, é prudente aguardar novos ensaios clínicos para melhor julgamento. Todos os doentes devem ser acompanhados no pós-operatório indefinidamente controlando todos os fatores de risco como hipertensäo arterial, diabetes mellitus, obesidade, tabagismo, sedentarismo, estresse, cardiopatias, coagulopatias, colesterol, triglicerídeos, doenças inflamatórias, alcoolismo, abuso de drogas. É também recomendado o uso continuado de ácido acetilsalicílico na dosagem de 200 a 300 mg por dia.