Skull Base 2007; 17(4): 229-234
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-984485
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

“Extarterectomy” for Tumors Invading the Carotid Artery: An Animal Model

Kazım Öner1 , Cem Bilgen2 , Ismail Oran3 , Tayfun Kirazli2 , Ahmet Memiş3 , Izzet Övül1 , Özlem Yilmaz4
  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Ege University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
  • 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ege University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
  • 3Department of Radiology, Ege University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
  • 4Department of Histology, Ege University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 July 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Objective: Carotid artery (CA) invasion by head and neck tumors is a challenging problem for the cranial base surgeon. Proposed methods for management have the disadvantage of constant or temporary interruption of the arterial blood flow and, as a consequence, cerebral ischemic complications. The objective of the study was to investigate the long-term effects of a novel technique, “extarterectomy,” on the vascular wall and the arterial blood flow in an ovine model. Methods: Wallstents were implanted bilaterally in the common CA of 5 sheep by the Seldinger technique. Six weeks after stent implantation, a segment of the arterial wall of about 2 cm in length was peeled off the external surface of the stent. Six months later, control angiography was performed. The animals were sacrificed after 18 months and the “extarterectomized” arteries were removed for the microscopic and macroscopic evaluation. Results: There were no acquired neurological deficits in the study group. Extarterectomy was performed without any complication in every case. Control angiography confirmed patent CAs. Evaluation by light microscopy showed the “neointimal” layer within the interstices of the stent. Conclusion: Extarterectomy allows aggressive tumor removal together with the maintenance of blood flow through the CA and offers hope for those with tumors invading the CA.

REFERENCES

Cem BilgenM.D. 

Talatpasa Bulv. No 35-5

35220 Alsancak, Izmir, Turkey

Email: cembilgen@gmail.com