OBJECTIVETo evaluate and summarize the possibility and experience of reconstructive vascular operation for kinking of internal carotid artery.

METHODSReconstructive vascular operation was performed on 5 patients with symptomatic kinking of internal carotid artery between July 2008 and June 2009. There were 2 male and 3 female patients, age ranged from 53 to 68 years (mean 62 years). Cutting the internal carotid artery at the bifurcation, mobilizing and stretching the internal carotid artery, then anastomosing the internal and common carotid artery. Two of them underwent endarterectomy simultaneously.

RESULTSFor the 5 patients, postoperative recovery went smoothly and symptoms were well improved. Except that mild high perfusion syndrome happened in 1 patient, no other obvious complications. Kinking of internal carotid artery had been stretched in the postoperative CT angiography. In the 5-16-month follow-up, no transient ischemic attack or cerebral infarction happened, and no restenosis appeared.

CONCLUSIONSReconstructive vascular operation is an effective surgical approach to kinking and coiling of the internal carotid artery. For some risk exists, all-round evaluation should be performed before operation, and operative indication should be strictly controlled.