Subclinical ischemia verified by somatosensory evoked potential amplitude reduction during carotid endarterectomy: negative effects on cognitive performance

Abstract

Hypoperfusion during cross-clamping, as verified by SSEP amplitude reduction, plays a significant role in the subtle decline in cognition following CEA. However, this detrimental effect was small, and various confounding factors were present. Based on these observations and the group-rate analysis, the authors conclude that successful unilateral CEA with routine shunt use does not adversely affect postoperative cognitive function.