Cerebral monitoring of somatosensory evoked potentials during carotid surgery: a review of 100 cases

Ann Vasc Surg. 2007 Jan;21(1):30-3. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2006.10.006.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate immediate and middle-term results of surgical carotid artery revascularization (CAR) with cerebral monitoring of intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). Between 1998 and 2004, a total of 100 CARs in 86 patients were performed under general anesthesia with SEP monitoring. A shunt was inserted if SEP amplitude decreased by 50% or latency time increased by 10%. Immediate and middle-term results were analyzed retrospectively. The shunt insertion rate was 5%. Two transient ischemic attacks were observed, and one patient died postoperatively due to myocardial infarction. The cumulative stroke and death rate was 1% at 30 days. Intraoperative SEP monitoring with selective shunt placement can be used safely for carotid surgery. Randomized studies will be necessary to determine the respective indications for various cerebral monitoring techniques.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carotid Stenosis / surgery*
  • Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monitoring, Intraoperative / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures