Lennard, N. S., Vijayasekar, C., Tiivas, C., Chan, C. W. M., Higman, D. J. and Imray, C. (Chris). (2003) Control of emboli in patients with recurrent or crescendo transient ischaemic attacks using preoperative transcranial Doppler-directed Dextran therapy. British Journal of Surgery, Vol.90 (No.2). pp. 166-170. ISSN 0007-1323

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Abstract

Background: Transcranial Doppler (TCD)-directed Dextran 40 treatment after carotid endarterectomy reduces the rate of early postoperative thrombosis. This study assessed the efficacy of intravenous Dextran 40 at controlling symptoms and emboli before elective carotid endarterectomy in patients with recurrent or crescendo transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs). Methods: In a prospective study, patients with more than 70 per cent internal carotid artery stenosis who had two or more symptomatic episodes within 30 days and TCD-detected microemboli were studied. Dextran 40 was commenced at 20 ml/h and TCD was repeated to reassess the rate of embolization. The infusion was increased in 20-ml/h increments until symptoms and emboli were controlled. The patient then had carotid surgery on the next elective list. Results: Nineteen patients with internal carotid stenosis greater than 70 per cent, recurrent symptoms and TCD-detected emboli were studied. All patients had symptoms and emboli controlled with Dextran 40. One patient with both unstable angina (awaiting urgent operation) and crescendo TIAs died from a myocardial infarct before undergoing operation. Of the 18 patients who had an operation, one suffered a non-disabling stroke on the third postoperative day. Conclusion: TCD-directed Dextran 40 offers a safe approach to high-risk patients before elective carotid endarterectomy, and warrants further study. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Metabolic and Vascular Health Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Journal or Publication Title:	British Journal of Surgery
Publisher:	John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
ISSN:	0007-1323
Date:	2003
Volume:	Vol.90
Number:	No.2
Page Range:	pp. 166-170
Identification Number:	10.1002/bjs.4030
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/52232

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