Penetrating trauma of the internal carotid artery.

OBJECTIVE

To assess management of penetrating internal carotid artery (ICA) injuries.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of institutional protocol.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center in a major urban area.

PATIENTS

Sixty-one patients with penetrating ICA injuries.

INTERVENTIONS

In the period 1975 to 1987 (group 1; n = 36), management was based on individual surgeons' preferences. Between 1988 and 1995 (group 2; n = 25), an algorithm was employed: (1) hemodynamically stable patients with suspected ICA injuries underwent a diagnostic angiography; (2) surgically accessible injuries were reconstructed regardless of neurologic status with 2 exceptions: (a) neurologically intact patients with ICA occlusion were treated by anticoagulation and mild pharmacological hypertension and (b) minimal nonocclusive injuries were managed nonoperatively and followed up by serial angiography or duplex ultrasonography; and (3) heparinization, shunting, and completion angiography were employed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Neurologic status at admission and discharge were compared by the Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

In group 1, 24 patients (67%) presented neurologically intact, and 12 (33%) with a deficit. Sixteen injuries were managed nonoperatively, 14 were repaired, and 6 were ligated. At discharge 6 (17%) were improved, 24 (66%) were unchanged, 6 (17%) were worse. Four patients (11%) died of cerebrovascular causes. In group 2, 19 patients (76%) presented neurologically intact, and 6 (24%) with a deficit. Eleven injuries were managed nonoperatively, 12 were repaired, and 2 were ligated. A death occurred in a patient who arrested, was admitted to the hospital in a coma, and died before ICA repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurologic outcome after ICA injury is enhanced by an algorithm predicated on the liberal use of angiography, a predefined surgical approach, and selective observation.