Early history of the operation of ligature of the primitive carotid artery : with a report of forty-eight unpublished cases : and a summary of forty-four cases, with remarks, by Valentine Mott / by James R. Wood.

  • Wood, James R. (James Rushmore), 1816-1882.
Date:
1857
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Early history of the operation of ligature of the primitive carotid artery : with a report of forty-eight unpublished cases : and a summary of forty-four cases, with remarks, by Valentine Mott / by James R. Wood. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    LIGATURE OF THE PRIMITIVE CAROTID ARTERY. Ligature of the common carotid artery is justly considered a most important surgical operation. Although, ordinarily, not difficult of execution, yet, the consequences which are liable to follow the complete and permanent obstruction of one of the two vessels which supply the brain with the greatest share of its blood, will always render this operation a subject for grave consideration before its execution. Cere- bral softening, with its concomitant symptoms, secondary haemorrhages, etc., etc., are complications of the original disease for which ligature of the carotid may have been undertaken, which no prudent surgeon will heedlessly en- counter. Ligature of the carotid derives additional importance also from the variety of diseases and accidents for which it has latterly been undertaken, as for the arrest of malignant growths of the face and head, for epilepsy, etc. In many diseases for which it has been performed, its propriety is still questionable, owing to the meagreness of published reports of cases. It is with a view to place on record my experience in this operation, in order that it may be available to those interested in determining such questions, that I have been