Transcervical carotid artery angioplasty and stenting with carotid flow reversal: surgical technique.

We have performed this technique in 40 patients with carotid artery stenosis. No deaths or strokes have occured. During the initial experience, one patient in whom flow reversal was not properly established sutained an hemispheric transient ischemic attack. Transcervical carotid artery balloon dilatation and stenting is feasible and safe. It establishes reliable cerebral protection before the carotid lesion is instrumented by reversing flow in the internal and external carotid arteries. It can be done under local anesthesia, and it avoids the potential limitations, complications, and additional cost of the transfemoral approach with protection devices.