Carotid Clamping Time as a Risk Factor for Early Restenosis After Carotid Endarterectomy.

Abstract: Objective: The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for early restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: Prospective follow-up of 497 primary CEAs was performed at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months by clinical assessment and duplex ultrasound to identify ≥50% restenosis. Results: Early restenosis occurred in 71 (14.3%) patients. By univariate analysis high carotid clamping time (CCT) (p=0.002) and absence of shunt use (p=0.03) were related to early restenosis. High CCT was the only independent predictor of early restenosis in a forward stepwise logistic regression model (OR=2.25; CI 1.2–4.1; p=0.008). Conclusions: Carotid clamping time may be a novel risk factor for early restenosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]