Extracranial arterial reconstruction for atheromatous stenotic disease.

Risk factors for stroke and for carotid stenosis in the Japanese population are reviewed and the variations between rates of carotid endarterectomy in different populations discussed. The evolution of carotid plaques and the involvement of intraplaque hemorrhage in embolism and hemodynamic inadequacy in causing focal cerebral ischemic events are described. The indications for operation are presented together with an assessment of fitness for operation, with particular emphasis on the influence of heart disease on perioperative morbidity and late survival. Combined carotid and coronary reconstruction is carried out when severe disease of both systems is present (138 patients). The technique of carotid endarterectomy involves minimal dissection posterior to the common and internal carotid arteries to avoid vagal nerve injury. The pathology and symptoms of disease of the proximal great vessel together with techniques for revascularization are also presented.