Carotid Artery Protection

The most serious complication that may be attendant upon radical surgery in the neck is compromise of the integrity of the carotid artery system either by elective ligation or by rupture. Such interference is not to be expected when the artery system is not violated technically and where the wound heals per primam. Unfortunately, these ideal circumstances do not always obtain, and neglect in anticipating possible carotid artery complications has proven disastrous. An integral part of planning the operation, in which this complication is predestined to occur, is the incorporation of a prophylactic technique for the security of this vascular system. Separation of these artery techniques from the routine procedures in neck dissection is essential, so that staged wound rehabilitation or some other additional support may be added immediately for protection of the artery. There is no question of either the need or the value of these efforts when properly