Selective management of extracranial carotid arterial aneurysms.

Aneurysms of the extracranial carotid arteries are rare vascular lesions that produce a high incidence of unfavorable neurologic sequelae. In the past 24 years, 19 patients at UCLA Hospital were treated for angiographically demonstrable extracranial carotid arterial aneurysms. These cases were reviewed to determine the natural history of these lesions as influenced by various modes of therapy in order to develop a logical treatment plan for these difficult patients. Because of the varied location of these lesions, proper treatment requires a diversity of techniques. Gratifying results can be achieved when a carefully selected operative approach is undertaken.