Does retrojugular route for carotid endarterectomy increase the risk of internal jugular vein thrombosis?

Abstract

Two different approaches are available to perform carotid endarterectomy: the traditional antejugular or the retrojugular route. With retrojugular route, direct access to the carotid arteries necessitates median retraction and often collapse of the internal jugular vein (IJV). Therefore, we have prospectively evaluated the potential incidence of IJV thrombosis.