Timing Of Carotid Endarterectomy Research Articles

Bailout Distal Internal Carotid Artery Stenting after Carotid Endarterectomy: Indications, Technique, and Outcomes

Distal internal carotid artery (ICA) stenting may be employed as a bailout maneuver when an inadequate end point or clamp injury is encountered at the time of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in a surgically inaccessible region of the distal ICA. We sought to characterize the indications, technique, and outcomes for this infrequently encountered clinical scenario. We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent distal ICA stenting at the time of CEA at our institution between September 2008 and July 2022. Procedural details and postoperative follow-up were reviewed for each patient. Six patients were identified during the study period. All were male with an age range of 63 to 82years. Five underwent carotid revascularization for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, and one patient was treated for amaurosis fugax. Three patients were on dual antiplatelet therapy preoperatively, whereas 2 were on aspirin monotherapy, and one was on aspirin and low-dose rivaroxaban. Five patients underwent CEA with patch angioplasty, and one underwent eversion CEA. The indication for stenting was distal ICA dissection due to clamp or shunt injury in 2 patients and an inadequate distal ICA end point in 4 patients. In all cases, access for stenting was obtained under direct visualization within the common carotid artery, and a standard carotid stent was deployed with its proximal aspect landing within the endarterectomized site. Embolic protection was typically achieved via proximal common carotid artery and external carotid artery clamping for flow arrest with aspiration of debris before restoration of antegrade flow. There was 100% technical success. Postoperatively, 2 patients were found to have a cranial nerve injury, likely occurring due to the need for high ICA exposure. Median length of stay was 2days (range 1-7days) with no instances of perioperative stroke or myocardial infarction. All patients were discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy with no further occurrence of stroke, carotid restenosis, or reintervention through a median follow-up of 17months. Distal ICA stenting is a useful adjunct in the setting of CEA complicated by inadequate end point or vessel dissection in a surgically inaccessible region of the ICA and can minimize the need for high-risk extensive distal dissection of the ICA in this situation.

Impact of continued clopidogrel use on outcomes of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the use of clopidogrel at the time of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and its association with postoperative complications. MethodsSingle-institution, retrospective review of a prospective database. ResultsFrom 2010 to 2017, CEA was performed in 1066 consecutive patients (median age, 73 years; 66% men). The indications for operation included ≥70% asymptomatic stenosis (458; 43%), prior stroke (314; 29%), and transient cerebral or retinal ischemia (294; 28%). At the time of operation, 509 (48%) patients were taking aspirin alone, 441 (41%) were taking clopidogrel (374 in combination with aspirin, 67 as sole therapy), 83 (8%) were on no documented antiplatelet medication, and 33 (3%) were taking warfarin (with therapeutic international normalized ratio). The likelihood of clopidogrel use at the time of operation was higher for patients with a history of symptomatic carotid disease (P = .002). Over the study period, clopidogrel use increased from 31.9% in 2010 to 56.8% in 2017, which corresponds to an 11% (95% confidence interval, 6%-15%) increase annually. Postoperative strokes occurred in 15 patients (overall incidence, 1.4%), the majority of which were minor (12/15; 80%). Six strokes occurred in patients taking aspirin alone (6/509; 1.2%), two in patients on clopidogrel and aspirin (2/441; 0.5%), two in patients taking clopidogrel alone (2/67; 2.9%), three in patients on no documented antiplatelet medication (3/83; 3.6%), and two in those taking warfarin (one of which was secondary to a fatal intracranial hemorrhage within 30 days of discharge [2/33; 6.1%]). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.03% (3/1066); the risk for the combined endpoint of any stroke, death, or myocardial infarction (MI) was 2.3% (25/1066), and the risk for major stroke, death, or MI was 1.2%. There was no apparent association between clopidogrel use and the incidence of postoperative bleeding (P = .59) or any other postoperative complication (stroke, death, MI, cranial nerve injury; P = .15). ConclusionsClopidogrel use in our CEA practice has increased over time and has not been associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications, including bleeding. These data suggest that clopidogrel should not be discontinued prior to CEA and should be considered as part of ‘optimal medical therapy’ in patients undergoing CEA.

In-hospital complications and long-term outcomes associated with timing of carotid endarterectomy

Objective: Carotid revascularization performed within 2 weeks of symptoms has proven to reduce risk of recurrent stroke in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. However, the optimal timing of revascularization within the 2-week window has yet to be determined. The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of in-hospital and long-term outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) performed within different time intervals after most recent symptoms.

In-hospital complications and long-term outcomes associated with timing of carotid endarterectomy

ObjectiveCarotid revascularization performed within 2 weeks of symptoms has proven to reduce risk of recurrent stroke in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. However, the optimal timing of revascularization within the 2-week window has yet to be determined. The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of in-hospital and long-term outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) performed within different time intervals after most recent symptoms. MethodsWe analyzed 2003 to 2016 data from the Vascular Quality Initiative Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network. Only revascularizations performed for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis were included. Procedures were categorized as urgent (0-2 days from latest symptom), early (3-14 days), or late (15-180 days). The primary in-hospital outcome was stroke/death. The primary long-term outcomes of interest were 5-year recurrent ipsilateral stroke/death. Multivariable logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression were utilized to compare outcomes. ResultsA total of 18,970 revascularizations were included: 1130 (6.0%) urgent, 4643 (24.5%) early, and 13,197 (69.6%) late. Earlier CEA had increased odds of in-hospital stroke/death compared with late CEA (urgent: adjusted odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-2.8; P = .001; early: adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.2; P < .001). No differences were seen in 5-year risk of stroke/death (urgent: adjusted hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.79-1.15; P = .592; early: adjusted hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.87-1.07; P = .928). ConclusionsUrgent and early CEA were associated with increased perioperative risk without difference in 5-year outcomes compared with late CEA. Short-term recurrent stroke prevention could not be assessed. Updated population-based studies comparing recurrent stroke prevention with urgent or early revascularization vs best medical management are warranted.

Carotid Endarterectomy During Index Hospital Admission for Patients With Acute Mild to Moderate Stroke

The timing of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) after acute stroke due to an infarct in the middle cerebral artery territory with ipsilateral internal carotid artery stenosis remains controversial. We evaluated the results of CEA in this group of patients during the index hospital admission.

Timing of carotid endarterectomy and clinical outcomes.

The timing of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for symptomatic ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis has evolved in practice over time. Key landmark trials outlined the benefit of performing CEA in the recently symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, defined as revascularisation within 6 months of the index neurological event. Further evidence and sub-analysis demonstrate that performing CEA within 2 weeks of symptoms has the maximal benefit in reducing stroke free survival and is associated with a safe perioperative complication profile. This has translated into guideline recommendations and widespread clinical practice. The case for performing urgent CEA (within 48 hours of index neurological event) over early CEA (within 2 weeks) has been put forward and studied. Data examining perioperative complications for urgent CEA are mostly derived from retrospective single series studies. A moderate balance exists in the literature for the safety and risk of urgent CEA. Although many studies present acceptable perioperative stroke and mortality rates associated with urgent CEA, evidence still exists that the perioperative complications may not be insignificant. This is particularly the case if the presenting neurology is a stroke, rather than a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or amaurosis fugax. This should be contextualised in the practice of modern aggressive medical therapy with dual antiplatelets and statins, with evidence suggesting a reduction in recurrent ischaemic events prior to surgical intervention. Careful patient selection, presenting neurology and medical therapy is likely to be a key feature in considering urgent CEA versus early CEA.

Safety of urgent carotid endarterectomy following thrombolysis.

Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the incidence of ischemic stroke is predicted to increase in coming years. Carotid atherosclerotic occlusive disease accounts for up to 20% of all ischemic strokes, and mounting evidence suggests that, in the setting of an acute ischemic stroke due to carotid disease, earlier treatment with carotid intervention results in better outcomes. In patients with acute ischemic stroke, systemic or intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) has revolutionized ischemic stroke therapy, and intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has become the principal treatment for acute ischemic stroke when administered within 3 to 4.5 hours of neurologic symptom onset. Given these trends in acute ischemic stroke therapy, vascular specialists are increasingly asked to perform carotid intervention following IVT, but reports in the literature examining outcomes in this circumstance are scarce, and the data regarding the appropriate interval from IVT to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains controversial. Literature searches were performed in PubMed (MEDLINE) and Ovid examining journal articles published between January 1st, 1998 and September 30th, 2019. The search terms used were: "urgent carotid endarterectomy," "carotid endarterectomy" AND "thrombolysis," "acute stroke and thrombolysis," "timing of carotid endarterectomy," and various combinations of these terms. A total of 21 published reports detailing outcomes in 1165 patients have been published to date, with an average interval from IVT to CEA of 7.1 days, a cumulative 30-day stroke and death rate of 4.1% (0-18%) and a mean frequency of intracranial hemorrhage of 2.6% (0-18%). The aggregate data from the 21 reported series suggest that CEA can be performed safely within the first 14 days after the onset of neurologic symptoms in patients receiving antecedent IVT, however, data regarding the safety of urgent CEA within 48 to 72 hours of thrombolysis is conflicting, with some series reporting excellent results and others showing an increased risk of ICH, stroke, and/or death in these select patients. Given the trend toward expedited treatment of acute ischemic stroke with subsequent transfer to regional referral centers, vascular specialists will be confronted with an increasing number of patients who may require urgent CEA after antecedent IVT. Further study is warranted to clearly delineate the appropriate interval from IVT to CEA and, specifically, to establish the safety of CEA with 72 hours of tPA administration.

Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis: Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack

Nearly 800,000 strokes are reported in the United States annually, with an economic impact upward of $33 billion. Carotid artery disease, familiar to all vascular surgeons, accounts for just over one fifth of these strokes. However, these cases reflect an opportunity for the surgeon to intervene and mitigate the substantial burden of stroke. This review includes the epidemiology of stroke in the United States and the carotid artery and noncarotid etiologies of stroke, including atherosclerotic disease, fibromuscular dysplasia, carotid artery dissection, and cardioembolism. The clinical presentations of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemia attacks are examined, as are the major findings expected in the patient history and physical examination. Strategies for further evaluation of the patient are discussed, including the use of sonographic imaging of the carotid artery and the relative advantages and disadvantages among the dominant modes of brain imaging. New updates to the review include interventional approaches toward the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, as well as the latest strategies regarding the timing of carotid endarterectomy after stroke and the utility of carotid artery stenting in these patients, with active areas of current research highlighted. Figures show a computed tomographic (CT) angiogram of fibromuscular dysplasia of an internal carotid artery, a CT angiogram of an internal carotid artery dissection showing a defect in the dissection, a CT scan demonstrating hemorrhagic conversion of cardioembolic stroke, a CT scan of acute thalamic hemorrhage, a CT scan of evolving ischemic stroke, a T2-weighted image demonstrating acute left frontal stroke and remote right frontal stroke, T1- and T2-weighted images of right parietal ischemic stroke, and M1 occlusion of a middle cerebral artery treated successfully with transcatheter thrombectomy. Tables list Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound and University of Washington criteria for duplex ultrasound diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis. This review contains 8 figures, 8 tables, and 68 references. Keywords: Carotid stenosis, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, endovascular therapy, thrombolysis, infarct, hemorrhagic stroke, atherosclerosis, embolism

Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis: Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack

Nearly 800,000 strokes are reported in the United States annually, with an economic impact upward of $33 billion. Carotid artery disease, familiar to all vascular surgeons, accounts for just over one fifth of these strokes. However, these cases reflect an opportunity for the surgeon to intervene and mitigate the substantial burden of stroke. This review includes the epidemiology of stroke in the United States and the carotid artery and noncarotid etiologies of stroke, including atherosclerotic disease, fibromuscular dysplasia, carotid artery dissection, and cardioembolism. The clinical presentations of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemia attacks are examined, as are the major findings expected in the patient history and physical examination. Strategies for further evaluation of the patient are discussed, including the use of sonographic imaging of the carotid artery and the relative advantages and disadvantages among the dominant modes of brain imaging. New updates to the review include interventional approaches toward the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, as well as the latest strategies regarding the timing of carotid endarterectomy after stroke and the utility of carotid artery stenting in these patients, with active areas of current research highlighted. Figures show a computed tomographic (CT) angiogram of fibromuscular dysplasia of an internal carotid artery, a CT angiogram of an internal carotid artery dissection showing a defect in the dissection, a CT scan demonstrating hemorrhagic conversion of cardioembolic stroke, a CT scan of acute thalamic hemorrhage, a CT scan of evolving ischemic stroke, a T2-weighted image demonstrating acute left frontal stroke and remote right frontal stroke, T1- and T2-weighted images of right parietal ischemic stroke, and M1 occlusion of a middle cerebral artery treated successfully with transcatheter thrombectomy. Tables list Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound and University of Washington criteria for duplex ultrasound diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis. This review contains 8 figures, 8 tables, and 68 references. Keywords: Carotid stenosis, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, endovascular therapy, thrombolysis, infarct, hemorrhagic stroke, atherosclerosis, embolism

Is size of infarct or clinical picture that should delay urgent carotid endarterectomy? A meta-analysis.

The best timing for carotid endarterectomy in patients with stroke is still matter of debate, particularly in case of significant cerebral ischemic lesion or neurological deterioration. The present review and meta-analysis aimed to report the best evidence in the outcome of patients submitted to urgent (<48h) or standard elapsing time (<2-week) CEA for stroke and to evaluate the impact of cerebral ischemic lesion size and clinical manifestation in the postoperative outcome. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching through Scopus and PubMed all papers reporting carotid endarterectomy (CEA) outcome (stroke and stroke/death) in patients who suffered a stable stroke, treated within 48h and 2 weeks from symptoms. A subgroup analysis of studies reporting the presence and size of cerebral lesion and clinical manifestation was planned. The pooled 30-day stroke and stroke/death risk (effect size) was expressed by crude percentage and 95% confidence interval (CI), by random effect model. Sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, 7 reporting the CEA outcome performed <48h from stroke and 13 reporting the outcome of CEA performed <2-week. The effect size of stroke and stroke/death of CEA performed <48h from symptoms was 7.4% (95% CI: 3.7-11.2) and 7.9% (95% CI: 4.0-11.8) respectively, and for CEA <2-week was 4.5% (95% CI: 2.8-6.3) and 5.4% (95% CI: 3.4-7.4) respectively. The authors agreed in considering the severity of stroke and the volume of the cerebral ischemic lesion a risk factor for postoperative complication however, due to the extremely high heterogeneity of the studies data, the effect size was not calculated. Two studies evaluated the effect of the cerebral ischemic lesion distribution; the presence of a border-zone infarct was associated with a significant increase in the risk of postoperative stroke/death rate compared with territorial cerebral ischemic lesion (OR: 6.0; 95%CI 1.1-32.0). CEA for patients with a recent stroke is associated with 5.4% and 7.9% of stroke/death. A large volume of the cerebral ischemic lesion and a deteriorated neurological status are associated with a higher perioperative risk; urgent carotid revascularization seems to further increase this risk.

Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis: Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack

Nearly 800,000 strokes are reported in the United States annually, with an economic impact upward of $33 billion. Carotid artery disease, familiar to all vascular surgeons, accounts for just over one fifth of these strokes. However, these cases reflect an opportunity for the surgeon to intervene and mitigate the substantial burden of stroke. This review includes the epidemiology of stroke in the United States and the carotid artery and noncarotid etiologies of stroke, including atherosclerotic disease, fibromuscular dysplasia, carotid artery dissection, and cardioembolism. The clinical presentations of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemia attacks are examined, as are the major findings expected in the patient history and physical examination. Strategies for further evaluation of the patient are discussed, including the use of sonographic imaging of the carotid artery and the relative advantages and disadvantages among the dominant modes of brain imaging. New updates to the review include interventional approaches toward the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, as well as the latest strategies regarding the timing of carotid endarterectomy after stroke and the utility of carotid artery stenting in these patients, with active areas of current research highlighted. Figures show a computed tomographic (CT) angiogram of fibromuscular dysplasia of an internal carotid artery, a CT angiogram of an internal carotid artery dissection showing a defect in the dissection, a CT scan demonstrating hemorrhagic conversion of cardioembolic stroke, a CT scan of acute thalamic hemorrhage, a CT scan of evolving ischemic stroke, a T2-weighted image demonstrating acute left frontal stroke and remote right frontal stroke, T1- and T2-weighted images of right parietal ischemic stroke, and M1 occlusion of a middle cerebral artery treated successfully with transcatheter thrombectomy. Tables list Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound and University of Washington criteria for duplex ultrasound diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis. This review contains 8 figures, 8 tables, and 68 references. Keywords: Carotid stenosis, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, endovascular therapy, thrombolysis, infarct, hemorrhagic stroke, atherosclerosis, embolism

Optimal Timing of Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Patients

Optimal Timing of Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Patients

3D is better than 2D ultrasound in differentiating between symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques

Purpose: Up to 30% of ischemic strokes are caused by Carotid Artery Disease. Currently the indication for surgery is based on degree of stenosis which does not take into account the morphology of the atherosclerotic plaque. Certain histological features are associated with risk of stroke, the so called “vulnerable” plaque. Studies have shown that ultrasound may be able to identify vulnerable plaques. Most assessments use 2D ultrasound (US). Some of the latest involve 3D US. There have been few studies that compare 2D with 3D ultrasound. Methods: Twelve carotid plaques (From 5 asymptomatic and 7 symptomatic patients), removed at the time of carotid endarterectomy, were assessed with both a 3D linear array and a 2D US probe. US images were analysed and compared with histological slides of the same sections in order to assess plaque volume and the percentage occupied by lipid. 3D and 2D US results were compared. Results: 3D US accurately predicted the histological lipid volume and percentage. 3D US was able to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques (P= 0.047) with 100% sensitivity, 60% specificity. Neither 2D nor 3D ultrasound were able to predict risk of stroke. Conclusion: Ex-vivo 3D US using grey-scale median, can differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques. With further research, is may be possible to use 3D US to help refine the indication for recommending carotid endarterectomy.

Timing of Carotid Endarterectomy After Stroke: Retrospective Review of Prospectively Collected National Database

Timing of Carotid Endarterectomy After Stroke: Retrospective Review of Prospectively Collected National Database

Timing of Carotid Endarterectomy After Stroke: Retrospective Review of Prospectively Collected National Database.

Our objective was to identify the postoperative risk associated with different timing intervals of repair. Timing of carotid intervention in poststroke patients is widely debated with the scales balanced between increased periprocedural risk and recurrent neurologic event. National database reviews show increased risk to patients treated within the first 2 days of a neurologic event compared to those treated after 6 days. Utilizing Vascular Quality Initiative data, all carotid interventions performed on stroke patients between the years 2012 and 2017 were queried. Patients were then stratified based on the timing of surgery from their stroke (<48 hours, 3-7 days, 8-14 days, >15 days). Major outcomes included postoperative stroke, death, and myocardial infarction. A total of 8404 patients were included being predominantly men (5281, 62.8%), with an average age of 69 (±10). Patients treated at greater than 8 days showed significantly less risk of postoperative combined stroke/death and postoperative stroke. There were no significant differences in postoperative stroke or death between the 8 to 14 and greater than 15 days groups.Multivariate regression analysis showed that delayed timing of surgery between 3 and 7 days was protective for postoperative stroke/death (P = 0.003) and any postoperative complication (P = 0.028). Delaying surgery to more than 8 days after stroke was protective for postoperative stroke/death (P < 0.001), postoperative stroke (P < 0.001), and any postoperative complication (P < 0.001). Carotid revascularization should occur no sooner than 48 hours after index stroke event. Surgeons should strive to operate between 8 and 14 days to protect against postoperative stroke/death.

Timing of carotid endarterectomy after recent minor to moderate stroke

ObjectiveEarly carotid endartectomy is generally favored by vascular surgeons in patients after a minor to moderate stroke. Herein, we compared the results of early versus delayed carotid endartectomy in patients presenting with similar National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale findings after a recent minor to moderate stroke. MethodsA retrospective analysis of 101 patients undergoing carotid endartectomy after a recent stroke in the distribution of the branches of the middle cerebral artery with >70% internal carotid artery stenosis from 2000 to February 2018 was performed. ResultsSixty patients had carotid endartectomy within 2 weeks (group A) and 41 had carotid endartectomy within 2–8 weeks of stroke (group B). Associated factors, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, nicotine abuse, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and renal failure, were similar in both groups. However, there was preponderance of male patients in group B (0.01). In group A, 35 patients presented with minor stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 1–4) and 25 had a moderate stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 5–15). In group B, 21 had a minor stroke and 20 had a moderate stroke (P = .54). Perioperative stroke occurred in 4 patients in group A and none in group B (P = .14), with perioperative stroke and death rate of 4.0%. Postoperative seizures occurred in 1 patient in group A and three in group B (P = .30). ConclusionEarly as well as delayed carotid endartectomy in patients with minor to moderate stroke results in a satisfactory outcome. To prevent recurrent stroke in the waiting period, early carotid endartectomy should be preferred.

The brain functional activity - bioelectrical marker of the effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy performed in the acute period of ischemic stroke

Bioelectrical activity is a universal characteristic of functional state of the brain at a normal level of blood flow and under hypoperfusion. This parameter can be used to assess the effectiveness of the operation before and after endarterectomy. In this study we analyzed spectral characteristics of EEG in 106 patients who underwent endarterectomy in the acute period of stroke before and after two weeks from the onset of the disease. Was studied the dynamics of the power spectra of the EEG evoked potentials and clinical data before and after surgery. It is revealed that the nature of the change in the spectral power of alpha and beta activity of the EEG in the affected and in the intact hemisphere in acute ischaemic stroke can affect the timing of carotid endarterectomy and are important for the prediction of functional outcome after surgery. Inhibition of alpha- and beta-activity in both hemispheres in the preoperative period is an unfavorable factor for surgical intervention, as this will not lead to restoration of disturbed functions irrespective of stroke severity.

Safety of Early Carotid Endarterectomy after Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke

The timing of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is still a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of early carotid interventions in patients treated with thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke. A retrospective analysis was performed using prospectively collected data from consecutive patients who underwent CEA for symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis within 14days after the index neurological event during the period from January 2013 to July 2016. Patients who had undergone IVT before CEA were identified. The primary outcome measures were any stroke and death rate at 30days, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and surgical site bleeding requiring intervention. A total of 93 patients were included for the final analysis. Among these, 13 (14.0%) patients had undergone IVT before CEA while 80 (86.0%) patients had CEA only. The median time interval between IVT and CEA was 2days (range: 0-13). A subgroup of 6 patients underwent CEA within 24hours of administration of IVT. The 30-day combined stroke and death rate was 7.7% (1 of 13) among patients undergoing IVT before CEA and 5.0% (4 of 80) among those undergoing CEA only (P=0.690). In the IVT group, there were no cerebral hemorrhages or significant surgical site bleeding events requiring reintervention. Our experience indicates that CEA performed early after IVT for acute ischemic stroke, aiming not only to reduce the risk of stroke recurrence but also to achieve neurological improvement by reperfusion of the ischemic penumbra, may be safe and can lead to favorable outcomes.

Dual antiplatelet therapy reduces stroke but increases bleeding at the time of carotid endarterectomy

Controversy persists regarding the perioperative management of clopidogrel among patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). This study examined the effect of preoperative dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel) on in-hospital CEA outcomes. Patients undergoing CEA in the Vascular Quality Initiative were analyzed (2003-2014). Patients on clopidogrel and aspirin (dual therapy) were compared with patients taking aspirin alone preoperatively. Study outcomes included reoperation for bleeding and thrombotic complications defined as transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, or myocardial infarction. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital death and composite stroke/death. Univariate and multivariable analyses assessed differences in demographics and operative factors. Propensity score-matched cohorts were derived to control for subgroup heterogeneity. Of 28,683 CEAs, 21,624 patients (75%) were on aspirin and 7059 (25%) were on dual therapy. Patients on dual therapy were more likely to have multiple comorbidities, including coronary artery disease (P< .001), congestive heart failure (P< .001), and diabetes (P< .001). Patients on dual therapy were also more likely to have a drain placed (P< .001) and receive protamine during CEA (P< .001). Multivariable analysis showed that dual therapy was independently associated with increased reoperation for bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-2.42; P=.003) but was protective against TIA or stroke (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43-0.87; P= .007), stroke (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41-0.97; P= .03), and stroke/death (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44-0.98; P= .04). Propensity score matching yielded two groups of 4548 patients and showed that patients on dual therapy were more likely to require reoperation for bleeding (1.3% vs 0.7%; P= .004) but less likely to suffer TIA or stroke (0.9% vs 1.6%; P= .002), stroke (0.6% vs 1.0%; P= .04), or stroke/death (0.7% vs 1.2%; P= .03). Within the propensity score-matched groups, patients on dual therapy had increased rates of reoperation for bleeding regardless of carotid symptom status. However, asymptomatic patients on dual therapy demonstrated reduced rates of TIA or stroke (0.6% vs 1.5%; P< .001), stroke (0.4% vs 0.9%; P= .01), and composite stroke/death (0.5% vs 1.0%; P= .02). Among propensity score-matched patients with symptomatic carotid disease, these differences were not statistically significant. Preoperative dual antiplatelet therapy was associated with a 40% risk reduction for neurologic events but also incurred a significant increased risk of reoperation for bleeding after CEA. Given its observed overall neurologic protective effect, continued dual antiplatelet therapy throughout the perioperative period is justified. Initiating dual therapy in all patients undergoing CEA may lead to decreased neurologic complication rates.

Very Early Carotid Endarterectomy After Intravenous Thrombolysis

The timing of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) after thrombolysis is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to analyse a cohort of patients undergoing urgent endarterectomy after intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke. This was an observational study. Prospective databases were reviewed and matched to identify patients who underwent CEA early after intravenous thrombolysis (2009-14). The focus was carotid surgery performed within 12 hours of stroke onset in patients with a high grade (≥70%) symptomatic carotid stenosis, associated with vulnerable plaques or stroke in evolution, and evidence of a significant salvageable ischaemic penumbra on perfusion computed tomography scan. Demographic and clinical information, as well as data on relevant outcomes were extracted. Thirty four consecutive stroke patients who underwent CEA within 2 weeks of thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke and ipsilateral high grade carotid stenosis were identified. In 11 patients the surgical procedure was performed within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms. All patients showed a clinical improvement after combined treatment. The 3 month outcome was favourable (modified Rankin Scale≤2) in 10 patients. No haemorrhagic complications were registered. There was neither peri-operative stroke nor stroke within 3 months of surgery. One patient died from acute myocardial infarction 3 days after intervention. This experience suggests that very early CEA after thrombolysis, aimed at removing the source of potential embolisation and restoring blood flow, may be safe and can lead to a favourable outcome.