Low Molecular Weight Heparin Significantly Reduces Embolisation After Carotid Endarterectomy – A Randomised Controlled Trial

Study design and recruitment and breakdown of patients.

Proportion of patients randomized to 5000IU UFH or 2500IU LMWH intravenously prior to carotid clamping experiencing post-operative high-rate embolisation (shaded bars), compared to those who did not (open bars) (p=0.04).

Platelet aggregation in response to 4×10⁻³mol/L arachidonic acid in 50 patients undergoing CEA. Closed circles; LMWH group (n=25); open circles; UFH group (n=25), horizontal bar represents mean (± SD). 15 patients who exhibited greater than 20% platelet aggregation to AA at induction have been excluded.

Platelet aggregation in response to 3×10⁻⁶mol/L adenosine diphosphate in 65 patients undergoing CEA. Closed circles; LMWH group (n=32); open circles; UFH group (n=33), horizontal bar represents mean (± SD).