Stroke and Reconstructive Surgery

Development of effective surgical means in the management of cerebral vascular insufficiency has recently become one of the most gratifying advances in the field of arterial reconstructive surgery. For, whereas from time immemorial the “stroke victim” has been in most instances considered doomed, operative procedures now in clinical use can prevent more severe attacks in the majority of the cases. Follow-up studies confirmed the low incidence of recurrence following carotid endarterectomy and emphasis has been placed in the group of “transient” ischemia which is actually most benefited from reconstructive surgery. Follow-up studies were undertaken in a group of 21 patients who underwent surgical reconstitution of different types of cerebrovascular insufficiency. In 17 cases carotid arteries were primarily involved, unilaterally in 15, and bilaterally in 2. In the remaining group of four, one case of vertebral artery disease was noted, while in the other three, “subclavian steal syndrome” was documented. L...