Selective Screening for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Disease Prior to Isolated Heart Valve Surgery


Selective Screening for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Disease Prior to Isolated Heart Valve Surgery

H Zayed, A Ali, O Wendler and H. Rashid

Angiology, 2009, 60(5), 633-636. DOI: 10.1177/0003319708325446

Abstract

Objective: To assess the yield of screening for asymptomatic carotid artery disease prior to isolated heart valve surgery (IHVS).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of the preoperative carotid duplex scans performed in neurologically asymptomatic patients who underwent IHVS between 2003 and 2006 was performed. Internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis of 70% was considered significant. Patients with concomitant coronary artery disease were excluded.

Results: A total of 177 patients underwent IHVS (one valve in 165 and 2 valves in 12 patients). No or minor ICA disease detected in 172 patients. Four patients (2.25%) had significant unilateral ICA stenosis and 1 patient (0.56%) had unilateral ICA occlusion. Three patients (1.69%) suffered postoperative stroke, while 2 patients (1.1%) suffered transient ischemic attacks. All neurologically affected patients had normal preoperative carotid duplex. The in-hospital mortality was 4.5%.

Conclusion: Prevalence of significant ICA disease is low in patients undergoing IHVS. This population does not benefit from preoperative carotid screening.

ASCI-ID: 1373-88