The literature reports superior results with patch angioplasty compare
d to direct suture for the restoration of the carotid artery after end
arterectomy through a longitudinal arteriotomy. With the technique pre
sented here access to the arterial lumen is gained through an oblique
division of the internal carotid at its origin. After endarterectomy t
his vessel is reanastomosed to its origin on the common carotid. This
oblique suture does not induce any stenosis. This technique is easily
reproducible. In a prospective randomized study, comparing its results
to saphenous vein angioplasty, no significant difference was found on
mortality, morbidity and recurrent stenosis. With this technique, the
saphenous vein can be preserved for other vascular reconstructions.