External ventricular drain as a nontraumatic suction device in carotid endarterectomy

Carotid endarterectomy is a commonly performed operation to remove plaque at the region of the carotid bifurcation. We present our technique to keep the field clear and to minimize potential trauma to the carotid using a neurosurgical external ventricular drain passed behind the common carotid and placed in the dependent position under the arteriotomy.