Computerized electroencephalogram monitoring and carotid artery shunting.
During carotid artery surgery, ischemic electroencephalogram (EEG) changes were detected by computerized analysis in 27 of 225 carotid clamping intervals. All but 7 of these changes resolved spontaneously before the restoration of blood flow. Restored flow was associated, after variable delay, with an improved EEG pattern in 6 of 7 cases. Of 27 EEG episodes, there were 5 cases in which the EEG event persisted for 10 minutes or longer. All 5 patients developed new neurological deficits; none of the other patients did. It is suggested that all patients undergoing carotid artery surgery be monitored with EEG and that a shunt be placed if a persistent EEG change is noted.
D000368:Aged; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis; D003201:Computers; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004691:Endarterectomy; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis