[A "non-narrowing" patch using the superior thyroid artery in surgery of carotid arteries].

It seems to be generally agreed that a closing patch is necessary after carotid endarterectomy. The materials utilized (prostheses or veins) having their own morbidity, we prefer to use a piece taken from the superior thyroid artery; Satisfactory results were obtained in the first 26 cases. This autologous biological material has the advantage of being an arterial structure (therefore compatible with the sutured artery) which is obtained in situ and spares the venous system.