The Hemodynamic Effect of Unilateral Carotid Ligation on the Cerebral Circulation of Man

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Abstract
By means of blood gas analyses, the effect on cerebral circulation of unilateral ligation of the internal carotid artery was studied in 4 patients with intracranial arterial aneurysms. In 3 patients, the cerebral blood flow was maintained at normal levels and there were no deleterious effects. In the 4th patient, the cerebral blood flow fell to an abnormally low level and hemiparesis resulted. The authors conclude that there is considerable resistance across the circle of Willis. In older patients, with arteriosclerosis, the cerebral vascular bed may be so rigid that adequate circulation cannot be maintained following ligation of a carotid artery.