LOCAL-ANESTHESIA IN CAROTID ANGIOPLASTY

Purpose: To determine the safety and efficacy of local anesthesia for percutaneous carotid angioplasty and stenting performed via a direct c ommon carotid access. Methods: Deep cervical plexus blockade was used for anesthesia in 22 of 32 patients (26 males; mean age 66 years) unde rgoing percutaneous carotid balloon angioplasty and/or stenting via di rect carotid puncture. Local anesthesia was selected according to pati ent preference (n = 9); advanced age (n = 4); ischemic heart disease ( n = 4); intended extracorporeal circulation for unstable angina (n = 3 ); and an incompetent circle of Willis (n = 2). The technique involved injection of bupivacaine hydrochloride along the C2, C3, and C4 trans verse processes. No superficial cervical plexus blockade was used. Res ults: No complications of anesthesia were observed, though there were cases in which surgery became necessary under local anesthesia for ang ioplasty-related complications. These conversions were accomplished wi thout difficulty. Conclusions: Cervical nerve blockade appears to be a safe and effective anesthetic method for endovascular carotid interve ntions performed percutaneously through direct carotid puncture.