Local Anesthesia in Carotid Angioplasty

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Abstract
Purpose: To determine the safety and efficacy of local anesthesia for percutaneous carotid angioplasty and stenting performed via a direct common carotid access. Methods: Deep cervical plexus blockade was used for anesthesia in 22 of 32 patients (26 males; mean age 66 years) undergoing percutaneous carotid balloon angioplasty and/or stenting via direct carotid puncture. Local anesthesia was selected according to patient preference (n = 9); advanced age (n = 4); ischemic heart disease (n = 4); intended extracorporeal circulation for unstable angina (n = 3); and an incompetent circle of Willis (n = 2). The technique involved injection of bupivacaine hydrochloride along the C2, C3, and C4 transverse processes. No superficial cervical plexus blockade was used. Results: No complications of anesthesia were observed, though there were cases in which surgery became necessary under local anesthesia for angioplasty-related complications. These conversions were accomplished without difficulty. Conclusions: Cervical nerve blockade appears to be a safe and effective anesthetic method for endovascular carotid interventions performed percutaneously through direct carotid puncture.