The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Low molecular weight heparin significantly reduces embolisation after carotid endarterectomy – a randomised controlled trial Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2009; 37: 633-639

Published: 1st January 2009

Authors: McMahon GS, Webster SE, Hayes PD, Jones CI, Goodall AH, Naylor AR et al.

Conclusion

A total of 183 patients taking aspirin were randomized to unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin during their operation. 30-day stroke and death rates (2.2 per cent) and bleeding complications were similar, but patients on unfractionated heparin had twice the rate of emboli detected by transcranial Doppler within 3h of surgery

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