Carotid Clamping Time as a Risk Factor for Early Restenosis After Carotid Endarterectomy

Abstract Objective The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for early restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods Prospective follow-up of 497 primary CEAs was performed at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months by clinical assessment and duplex ultrasound to identify ≥50% restenosis. Results Early restenosis occurred in 71 (14.3%) patients. By univariate analysis high carotid clamping time (CCT) ( p =0.002) and absence of shunt use ( p =0.03) were related to early restenosis. High CCT was the only independent predictor of early restenosis in a forward stepwise logistic regression model (OR=2.25; CI 1.2–4.1; p =0.008). Conclusions Carotid clamping time may be a novel risk factor for early restenosis.