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The Carotid Siphon: A Scanning Electron Microscope Assessment of its Embolie Potential

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

F.W. Saunders  and
P. Shedden
F.W. Saunders*
Affiliation:
Division of Neurological Surgery, Queen’s University, Kingston
P. Shedden
Affiliation:
Division of Neurological Surgery, Queen’s University, Kingston
*
Douglas III, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2V7
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Abstract:

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The role of the carotid siphon as a source of embolic material has had limited morphological or clinical study. The morphologic data available suggests that the siphon plays only a small role in embolic cerebrovascular disease. Clinical studies, however, suggest that it has a significant ischemic potential. To clarify this apparent discrepancy, we have designed a scanning electron microscope study of the carotid siphon. Eighty percent of the specimens from the carotid bifurcation and 30% of the siphon specimens showed evidence of damaged endothelium with attached red cell and platelet debris. The embolic potential of the siphon is estimated to be between ⅓ to ½ that of the carotid bifurcation. This supports the most recent clinical studies.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 12 , Issue 3 , August 1985 , pp. 263 - 266
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1985

References

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