Carotid endarterectomy in high-risk Arab patients.

Authors :: Elsharawy MA
Source :: Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery [Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg] 2009 Jan; Vol. 8 (1), pp. 100-3. Date of Electronic Publication: 2008 Oct 14.
Publication Year :: 2009
Abstract: Objectives: Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has developed quickly and has started to replace carotid endarterectomy (CE) in high-risk cases. However, there are conflicting reports about the results of CAS in such cases. The current study was undertaken to assess the results of CE in high-risk Arab patients over two years at a single center.<br />Patients and Methods: The study was performed on all Arab patients referred to King Fahd Hospital of the University for CE with high risk for surgery from August 2004 to August 2006. High-risk factors were recorded. The primary end points were the occurrence of stroke, myocardial infarction and death in the first 30 postoperative days and in follow-up for one year.<br />Results: Thirty-one CE procedures were performed in 29 high-risk Arab patients. Twenty-five patients had severe ischemic heart disease and were prepared for coronary artery bypass grafting. One patient (3%) had preoperative cardiac arrest and after resuscitation developed stroke. One patient died (3%) suddenly nine months after surgery. No recurrence or stroke was recorded over a one-year follow-up period.<br />Conclusion: This short report showed that CE can be performed safely in high-risk Arab patients.