Informed consent: what level of risk to disclose with carotid artery endarterectomy?

Forbes, Thomas L · J Vasc Surg · 2010

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

You are asked to see a 65-year-old man with an asymptomatic high-grade carotid artery stenosis. He is otherwise quite healthy, is receiving appropriate medical management, and has no contraindications for surgery. You recommend a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) as the best prophylactic measure against stroke. During the informed consent process, the patient asks for a specific estimate of the risks. What specific level of risk should you quote to your patient?

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