Variation in perioperative cerebral and hemodynamic monitoring during carotid endarterectomy

Ann Vasc Surg. 2021 Nov:77:153-163. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2021.06.015. Epub 2021 Aug 27.

Abstract

Background: Hemodynamic disturbances cause half of the perioperative strokes following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Guidelines strongly recommend strict pre- and postoperative blood pressure (BP) monitoring in CEA patients, but do not provide firm practical recommendations. Although in the Netherlands 50 centres perform CEA, no national protocol on perioperative hemodynamic, and cerebral monitoring exists. To assess current monitoring policies of all Dutch CEA-centres, a national survey was conducted.

Methods: Between May and July 2017 all 50 Dutch CEA-centres were invited to complete a 42-question survey addressing perioperative hemodynamic and cerebral monitoring during CEA. Nonresponders received a reminder after 1 and 2 months. By November 2017 the survey was completed by all centres.

Results: Preoperative baseline BP was based on a single bilateral BP-measurement at the outpatient-clinic in the majority of centres (n = 28). In 43 centres (86%) pre-operative monitoring (transcranial Doppler (TCD, n = 6), electroencephalography (EEG, n = 11), or TCD + EEG (n = 26)) was performed as a baseline reference. Intraoperatively, large diversity for type of anaesthesia (general: 45 vs. local [LA]:5) and target systolic BP (>100 mm hg - 160 mm hg [n = 12], based on preoperative outpatient-clinic or admission BP [n = 18], other [n = 20]) was reported. Intraoperative cerebral monitoring included EEG + TCD (n = 28), EEG alone (n = 13), clinical neurological examination with LA (n = 5), near-infrared spectroscopy with stump pressure (n = 1), and none due to standard shunting (n = 3). Postoperatively, significant variation was reported in standard duration of admission at a recovery or high-care unit (range 3-48 hr, mean:12 hr), maximum accepted systolic BP (range >100 mm hg - 180 mm Hg [n = 32]), postoperative cerebral monitoring (standard TCD [n = 16], TCD on indication [n = 5] or none [n = 24]) and in timing of postoperative cerebral monitoring (range directly postoperative - 24 hr postoperative; median 3 hr).

Conclusions: In Dutch centres performing CEA the perioperative hemodynamic and cerebral monitoring policies are widely diverse. Diverse policies may theoretically lead to over- or under treatment. The results of this national audit may serve as the baseline dataset for development of a standardized and detailed (inter)national protocol on perioperative hemodynamic and cerebral monitoring during CEA.

Keywords: Carotid endarterectomy; Cerebral monitoring; Hemodynamics; National survey; Perioperative care.

MeSH terms

  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blood Pressure* / drug effects
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / physiopathology
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / surgery*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation* / drug effects
  • Electroencephalography / trends
  • Endarterectomy, Carotid / adverse effects
  • Endarterectomy, Carotid / trends*
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Hemodynamic Monitoring / trends*
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring / trends*
  • Medical Audit
  • Netherlands
  • Perioperative Care / trends*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / trends*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared / trends
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents