Minimizing the complications of carotid endarterectomy.

As a primarily prophylactic operation, the efficacy of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) depends on attaining a complication rate as low as possible. Complications can be classified by time period (periprocedural and late) or type (local and systemic). The authors' purpose is to describe the incidence of complications associated with CEA, identify causative factors, and suggest steps that can be taken to minimize their occurrence.