Incomplete circle of Willis as a risk factor for intraoperative ischemic events during carotid endarterectomies performed under regional anesthesia – A prospective case-series

Abstract

The role of the willisian collaterals during carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) is a debated issue. The aim of the present work was to test whether an incomplete or non-functional circle of Willis (CoW) is a risk factor for ischemic events during CEA.

Keywords

• carotid endarterectomy
• circle of willis
• collateral ability
• cross-clamping
• local anesthesia