A newly developed shunt system for carotid surgery: T-shaped silicone shunt tubes and clamping devices: Technical note

BACKGROUND: Although the use of a shunt during carotid endarterectomy has been controversial, a convenient shunt system is still required. METHODS: We have devised an intraluminal shunt system, T-shaped silicone shunt tubes, and clamping devices for carotid surgery. The tube has enough pliability and length to be used in a looped or U-shaped mode and constructs a T-shape with a side arm available for monitoring blood pressure in the shunt system. Clamping devices, such as modified Sugita ring clips and encircle type bulldog clamps, make it possible to hold the tube by a simple maneuver and to minimize the intimal damage. RESULTS: This shunt system has been used in 170 carotid endarterectomies and other 10 carotid surgical operations, and the mortality and morbidity rates were 0% and 2.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This shunt system can be safely and easily used for cervical carotid surgery.