Evaluation of carotid bifurcation level and diameters with postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy

Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans of a total of 107 patients (80 males, 27 females; mean age 69.0±9.6 years; range, 48 to 92 years) who underwent CEA between January 2012 and April 2018. The carotid artery bifurcation level was identified according to the cervical vertebrae and compared with the patient"s neck length and internal, external, and common carotid arteries.

Results: The mean level of the right carotid artery bifurcation was 3.7±0.54 in females and 4.03±0.74 in males (p=0.019). We found a significant, positive correlation of the female sex and right carotid artery bifurcation level (p=0.042) with both internal carotid artery diameters.

Conclusion: Our study results suggest that a preoperative rigorous examination of CTA scans and planning surgery are essential components to prevent undesirable surgical complications in patients undergoing CEA.