An alternative anatomical classification for carotid bifurcation and impact on outcome of carotid endarterectomy: a multicenter study

Abstract
Background
The present multicenter retrospective study included 7148 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) between 2010 and 2021. Based on the results of angiography (AG)/multislice computed tomography (MSCT) angiography, 3 types of carotid bifurcation were identified depending on the projection of the carotid sinus to the cervical vertebrae: type I (high)—from the upper edge of the body of the II cervical vertebra to the lower edge of intervertebral disc located between III and IV cervical vertebrae; type II (medium)—from the upper edge of the body of the IV cervical vertebra to the lower edge of the body of the V cervical vertebra; and type III (low)—from the upper edge of the intervertebral disc located between the V and VI cervical vertebrae to the lower edge of the body of the VII cervical vertebra.

Purpose of the study
To develop a new classification of the types (high, medium, low) of carotid bifurcations (based on the level of cervical vertebrae) with analysis of the results of CEA depending on the type.

Results
The largest number of ischemic strokes (n = 15; 1.1%; p = 0.0001) was found in type I (high) bifurcation of the carotid artery. The majority of bleedings of type 3b and higher according to the BARC scale with the formation of acute hematomas in the intervention area (n = 14; 1.2%; p = 0.0029) were recorded in type III carotid bifurcation (low).

Conclusions
Type II (medium) carotid bifurcation may be the most preferred for CEA.