Just putting up a new post for future reference, and my interest being I'm having it done in a few days, but I haven't seen many posts about it. With my limited knowldege, a carotid artery occlusion test, similar to an angiogram, tests strength, performance, potential failure of the carotid artery for a number of reasons, one being before a resection of the failed one or another reason like cancer involvement. The carotid resection has several different types too. My reason to have it done is so more radiation can be given being my carotid is past it's toxicity level, will be more compromised from radiation othwise, and then if resected, more radiation can be delivered safely.

So Paul, have they already tested to see if you will be ok if this one is blocked ? I am presuming that they want you to function on 1 carotid while the other is getting the treatment. Is that correct?
Tammy

Yes. They did the occlusion test on me, and everything is ok with living with one carotid. I believe the left one will permanently be stented, probably more likely removed to a cerain point. The other reason is I can't see them attaching it again, after radiation, being radiation continues to work for some time after, and some cancer may be present on the artery. There are several types carotid resections, some temportary, some with flaps, new tubing. I guess I'll find out soon enough.

Glad to hear that the new plan will proceed apace. Will be thinking of you Thursday.

Maria

PaulB, your courage is amazing. Wishing you all the very best!

My surgery is on for Thursday. It wasn't my imagination, my medications or wishfull thinking I was mixed up. It's going to be a neck dissection, removal of the carotid artery, remaining cancer if found, don't know about a flap since there is one there or would need another, another artery made from vessel or plastics after the Intraoperative radiation.

Paul,

Just curious. Was there any mention of replacing that portion of artery with a graft? My Dad has been on dialysis for a few years now and one vein got pretty well destroyed. After several various things they replaced a section of vein with some sort of artificial material that restores the area to take the dialysis connection.

With all the technology these days, it seems well within reason to be able to replace a section of artery as well. If it was an option, it would be interesting to hear why it was not selected.

don

I read about it, but I don't know. All that was mentioned was removal of the carotid for radiation, and microscopic cancer involvement. Most of my conversation was in post op, and was then transferred to another hospital. These doctors are the best in nyc, so whatever can be done, will be, and going with their suggestion. The carotid occlusion test showed I was low risk, which cuts the risks significantly, and as mentioned, I don't know if prior radiation, the radiation during this surgery has an effect on that or anything else or plan for additional radiation with the carotid removal in the future. Unfortionally, there are not many studies, trials done with this

Thanks Don

Best of luck my dear

Thanks Cheryl.