Physiological Analysis and Subsequent Surgical Treatment of a Case of Carotid Sinus Syndrome

Abstract

Unilateral hypersensitivity of the carotid sinus reflex in a 37 year old man was diagnosed as representing the cardio-inhibitory type of the carotid sinus syndrome.

Since the effect of methyl scopolamine nitrate only induced satisfactory prevention during the first 2-3 weeks and as 3 months of expectation gave no relief of the syncopal attacks, surgical denervation of the hypersensitive right carotid sinus was performed.

Because of the risk of nerve regeneration the right sinus nerve in the present case was resected for 15 mm and the central end of the nerve was curved in a cranial direction.

Several controls up to 14 months after operation have shown complete freedom of spontaneous and by local pressure provoked syncopal attacks.