The role of polyester patch angioplasty in carotid endarterectomy: A multicenter study

The objectives of this study were to examine the morphology, restenosis, di latation, and possible complications of polyester collagen impregnated caro tid patches. Between March 1994 and January 1995, 207 patients (56 females and 151 males) undergoing 221 carotid endarterectomies (CE) with a collagen -impregnated knitted polyester patch were enrolled in a European prospectiv e multicenter study. Patches were used for arteries deemed to be smaller th an usual by visual inspection. General anesthesia was used in 201 procedure s (91%), and a shunt was used in 76 procedures (34.4%). One hundred fourtee n CE (51.6%) were checked by a perioperative arteriography or angioscopy. T he diameter of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and carotid bulb (CB) were measured by duplex scan both preoperatively and every 6 months during foll ow-up. The main end point was carotid occlusion or restenosis, defined as a stenosis of 50% or more according to NASCET criteria. Carotid polyester-im pregnated patches appear to be reliable. The patch was easy to cut and sutu re, and hemostasis was obtained immediately. No rupture occurred. However, the higher restenosis rate in women may restrict the use of polyester patch to men. DOI: 10.1007/s10016 9910066.