1. < Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases

Carotid Endarterectomy and Infected Dacron patch

Posted by kob7 @kob7, Oct 4, 2021

I had a seizure in 2009 where they found a 80 % blockage and a Carotid Endarterectomy was performed.

12 years later - I had no idea this was even possible.

I am trying to find anyone who has dealt with a infected patch of Carotid Artery. I had a sinus form the end of 2020 and seen vascular surgeon in January 2021, he rushed CT( it was done 2 days later ) and it came back with more than 70% blockage again. Then sent for tagged WBC scan ( white blood cell ) and positive for infected patch. Cardiovascular surgeon wanted to try antibiotics first as he said surgery was a great risk. Infectious disease specialist has been involved since end of January. I have been on 5 antibiotics a day ever since. . Surgeon now is ready to do surgery replacing carotid with saphenous vein and says risk is less than 1 %. I am not sure what to think or do at this point. I understand connect is not for medical advice, just trying to find someone who has even heard of this. I have done a lot of research since first diagnose in January 2021. I do understand it's a rare occurrence between 0.25% to 0.50%.
I am not that good with computers but have found many articles about this, but I am sure there are plenty more out there.

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Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Oct 14, 2021

Hello @kob7 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You have had quite a journey so far and I don't blame you for wanting to connect with others as you walk into this next chapter of your care.

Members such as @tskeane and @starfirey2k have mentioned experience with endarterectomies and may be able to share more with you. @jakedduck1 may also be a good resource as he has experience with seizures.

What articles have you found that you could share and when is your surgeon is proposing you undergo the procedure?

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starfirey2k | @starfirey2k | Oct 14, 2021

Sorry to hear about your dilemma with your surgery, as mentioned I did have an carotid endarterectomy done in June of 2020, I had a very trusted vascular surgeon do the procedure, and he used a "bovine patch" on the removed section of my artery. thankfully it all went very well for me, never had a negative moment of after effects as of today. I am doing very well. if there is anything I can help you with please feel free to contact me. I would be thinking about a second opinion on this next step. praying all goes well for you. not sure of your location, if in Florida I could recommend a vascular surgeon keep us posted.

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1 reply
malliecallie | @malliecallie | Mar 4 4:23pm
In reply to @starfirey2k "Sorry to hear about your dilemma with your surgery, as mentioned I did have an carotid..." + (show)
@starfirey2k

Sorry to hear about your dilemma with your surgery, as mentioned I did have an carotid endarterectomy done in June of 2020, I had a very trusted vascular surgeon do the procedure, and he used a "bovine patch" on the removed section of my artery. thankfully it all went very well for me, never had a negative moment of after effects as of today. I am doing very well. if there is anything I can help you with please feel free to contact me. I would be thinking about a second opinion on this next step. praying all goes well for you. not sure of your location, if in Florida I could recommend a vascular surgeon keep us posted.

Jump to this post

I have 80 percent blockage in right carotid. Surgery recommended. I am 79, still working full time, office manager, active,. I am worried about side effects and not being able to continue working, or living independently. The surgeon says this is a common surgery, and all should
be fine, but adds that the surgery can also have big risks, nerve damage in neck, face, difficulty swallowing, etc. Any comments would be welcome. Thank you.

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1 reply
malliecallie | @malliecallie | Mar 4 4:26pm

Need feedback on whether or not to go ahead with right carotid endarterectomy. Thank you

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starfirey2k | @starfirey2k | Mar 4 5:47pm
In reply to @malliecallie "I have 80 percent blockage in right carotid. Surgery recommended. I am 79, still working full..." + (show)
@malliecallie

I have 80 percent blockage in right carotid. Surgery recommended. I am 79, still working full time, office manager, active,. I am worried about side effects and not being able to continue working, or living independently. The surgeon says this is a common surgery, and all should
be fine, but adds that the surgery can also have big risks, nerve damage in neck, face, difficulty swallowing, etc. Any comments would be welcome. Thank you.

Jump to this post

malliecallie, I understand your position on this, there is nothing easy about any surgery. however at 80% blocked I would not wait too long to have it done. the only problem I had was that I would not do the stent method. I was in at 7am stayed overnight and out the next day. I will be praying for your quick recovery.
any questions you may have you can contact me. stay safe. and good luck.

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malliecallie | @malliecallie | Mar 5 10:16am

Thank you for your encouragement. I am going to go ahead with the procedure. Bless you!

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