The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 23, 264-266, Copyright © 1977 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
A new wire-supported shunt for carotid endarterectomy
JM Keshishian and S Crossland
An intraarterial shunt for cerebral protection during carotid
endarterectomy is described. It combines the features of the U-shaped shunt
of Hallin and the straight shunt of Sundt, and incorporates a side-arm that
can be used for perfusion, irrigation, and intraarterial pressure. The
shunt is a molded Silastic tube with wire coils at each end to prevent
collapse, and its funicular collar and rim obviate sudden expulsion. Its
use allows endarterectomy to be performed in a deliberate manner,
permitting careful attention to prevention of an intimal flap and unhurried
repair of the arteriotomy.