Complications of Ligation of the Internal Carotid Artery

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Abstract
Ligation of the internal carotid artery carries a high risk in patients over 50 yrs. of age and should be considered an emergency measure. Even in younger patients careful preoperative study with bilateral carotid angiography is desirable. If the intra-carotid pressure above the occlusion is reduced to below 30% of the initial pressure or if neurological signs appear during the test period, only a partial ligation should be done initially. Complete occlusion may be possible later. Repeated procaine blocks of the cervical sympathetic trunk on the side of the ligation and anticoagulant therapy are important post-operatively.