Evaluation of subclinical cerebral injury and neuropsychologic function in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

We examined subclinical alterations of cerebral function during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and predictability of minor cerebral damage by perioperative levels of biochemical markers of brain damage (S100B and neuron-specific enolase [NSE]). Twenty consecutive patients with > or =70% asymptomatic carotid stenosis undergoing elective CEA were enrolled. Pre- and postoperative testing included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head, a standardized neurological exam, a battery of neuropsychological tests, and measurement of serum levels of S100B and NSE.

Midterm results of a single-center experience with commercially available devices for endovascular aneurysm repair.

Purpose: To review the outcome of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) using commercial stent graft devices.

Methods: Retrospective review of 167 EVAR procedures using different commercial devices at a single center between 1999 and 2003. Analysis included preoperative patient morbidities, operative and hospitalization data, postoperative complications, procedural outcome and midterm patient survival.