Early postoperative angiographic findings after carotid endarterectomy.

This report reviews the early postoperative evaluation of 70 patients who underwent carotid bifurcation endarterectomy within our department (before patients' releasing). Angiography was performed by femoral catheterization or the retrograde brachial route; three times only digital venous techniques were employed. No complications due to radiological procedures occurred. Postoperative angiographic findings include asymptomatic occlusion of ICA, occlusion of ECA, the presence of mural thrombi, diffuse surface roughness, intimal flaps and kink of ICA. Dilatation of the arteriotomized segment was detected with a high rate of frequency. Postoperative vascular changes are then analyzed in relation to surgical techniques, to early postoperative clinical course and to the occurrence of late re-stenoses.