Haemodynamic Effects of Carotid Artery Stenosis

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Abstract
The dimensions of the constriction which just produces a detectable change of pressure gradient and flow in the internal carotid artery of conscious human subjects was determined. This "critical" constriction has been duplicated in a perfusion circuit, its hydraulic resistance measured and compared with the resistance of other constrictions of different shapes and lengths. It is concluded that a stenosis will significantly reduce blood flow if its cross-sectional area is less than 2 sq. mm. If the minimal area is more than 5 sq. mm., blood flow may be reduced, depending on the shape, on the number of stenoses in series, and, to a less extent, on the length of the stenosis.